Remote examination through augmented reality

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented system for a remote examination is disclosed. The computer-implemented system includes a treatment device, a master console, a user interface, and a control system. The treatment device comprises one or more slave sensors and a slave pressure system, the treatment device configured to be manipulated while a patient performs a treatment plan. The master console comprises a master device. The user interface comprises an output device configured to present telemedicine information associated with a telemedicine session. The control system comprises one or more processing devices operatively coupled to the master console and the treatment device. The one or more processing devices are configured to receive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors, use a manipulation of the master device to generate a manipulation instruction, transmit the manipulation instruction, and during the telemedicine session, use the manipulation instruction to cause the slave pressure system to activate.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/147,532, filed Jan. 13, 2021, titled “Remote Examination ThroughAugmented Reality,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/021,895, filed Sep. 15, 2020, titled“Telemedicine for Orthopedic Treatment,” which claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/910,232,filed Oct. 3, 2019, titled “Telemedicine for Orthopedic Treatment,” theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/147,532 also claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 63/018,834, filed May 1, 2020, titled “Remote Examination throughAugmented Reality,” the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a system and a method for remoteexamination through augmented reality.

BACKGROUND

Remote medical assistance, also referred to, inter alia, as remotemedicine, telemedicine, telemed, telmed, tel-med, or telehealth, is anat least two-way communication between a healthcare provider orproviders, such as a physician or a physical therapist, and a patientusing audio and/or audiovisual and/or other sensorial or perceptive(e.g., tactile, gustatory, haptic, pressure-sensing-based orelectromagnetic (e.g., neurostimulation) communications (e.g., via acomputer, a smartphone, or a tablet). Telemedicine may aid a patient inperforming various aspects of a rehabilitation regimen for a body part.The patient may use a patient interface in communication with anassistant interface for receiving the remote medical assistance viaaudio, visual, audiovisual, or other communications described elsewhereherein. Any reference herein to any particular sensorial modality shallbe understood to include and to disclose by implication a different oneor more sensory modalities.

Telemedicine is an option for healthcare providers to communicate withpatients and provide patient care when the patients do not want to orcannot easily go to the healthcare providers' offices. Telemedicine,however, has substantive limitations as the healthcare providers cannotconduct physical examinations of the patients. Rather, the healthcareproviders must rely on verbal communication and/or limited remoteobservation of the patients.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure provides a system and method forremote examination of patients through augmentation.

An aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a computer-implementedsystem for a remote examination. The computer-implemented systemincludes a treatment device, a master console, a user interface, and acontrol system. The treatment device comprises one or more slave sensorsand a slave pressure system, the treatment device configured to bemanipulated while a patient performs a treatment plan. The masterconsole comprises a master device. The user interface comprises anoutput device configured to present telemedicine information associatedwith a telemedicine session. The control system comprises one or moreprocessing devices operatively coupled to the master console and thetreatment device. The one or more processing devices are configured toreceive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors, use amanipulation of the master device to generate a manipulationinstruction, transmit the manipulation instruction, and during thetelemedicine session, use the manipulation instruction to cause theslave pressure system to activate.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a system for remoteexamination. The system includes a master console comprising a masterdevice, a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and aslave pressure system, and a control system comprising one or moreprocessing devices operatively coupled to the master console and thetreatment device. The one or more processing devices are configured toreceive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors, to use amanipulation of the master device to generate a manipulationinstruction, to transmit the manipulation instruction, and to use themanipulation instruction to cause the slave pressure system to activate.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a system for remoteexamination. The system includes a master console comprising a masterdevice, a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and aslave pressure system, and a control system comprising one or moreprocessing devices operatively coupled to the master console and thetreatment device. The one or more processing devices are configured toreceive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors, totransmit the slave sensor data, to receive a manipulation instruction,and to use the manipulation instruction to activate the slave pressuresystem.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a system for remoteexamination. The system includes a master console comprising a masterdevice, a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and aslave pressure system, and a control system comprising a masterprocessing device and a slave processing device. The master processingdevice is operatively coupled to the master console and configured toreceive slave sensor data from the slave processing device, to use amanipulation of the master device to generate a manipulationinstruction, and to transmit the manipulation instruction to the slaveprocessing device. The slave processing device is operatively coupled tothe treatment device and configured to receive the slave sensor datafrom the one or more slave sensors, to transmit the slave sensor data tothe master processing device, to receive the manipulation instructionfrom the master processing device, and to use the manipulationinstruction to activate the slave pressure system.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a system thatincludes a processing device and a memory communicatively coupled to theprocessing device and capable of storing instructions. The processingdevice executes the instructions to perform any of the methods,operations, or steps described herein.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a tangible,non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a processing device to perform any of the methods,operations, or steps described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according tocommon practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale.On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarilyexpanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a high-level component diagram of anillustrative system according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-D generally illustrate example treatment devices according tocertain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates an example master device according tocertain aspects of this disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-D generally illustrate example augmented images according tocertain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 generally illustrates an example method of operating a remoteexamination system according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 generally illustrates an example method of operating a remoteexamination system according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 generally illustrates an example computer system according tocertain to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 generally illustrates a perspective view of an example of thedevice according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of thedevice, such as a treatment device according to certain aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 10 generally illustrates a perspective view of a pedal of thetreatment device of FIG. 9 according to certain aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 11 generally illustrates a perspective view of a person using thetreatment device of FIG. 9 according to certain aspects of thisdisclosure.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components.Different companies may refer to a component by different names—thisdocument does not intend to distinguish between components that differin name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims,the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-endedfashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but notlimited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended tomean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first devicecouples to a second device, that connection may be through a directconnection or through an indirect connection via other devices andconnections.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections; however,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer, or section from another region,layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer, or section without departing from theteachings of the example embodiments. The phrase “at least one of,” whenused with a list of items, means that different combinations of one ormore of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list maybe needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any ofthe following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and Aand B and C. In another example, the phrase “one or more” when used witha list of items means there may be one item or any suitable number ofitems exceeding one.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “inside,” “outside,”“contained within,” “superimposing upon,” and the like, may be usedherein. These spatially relative terms can be used for ease ofdescription to describe one element's or feature's relationship toanother element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Thespatially relative terms may also be intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use, or operation, in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

A “treatment plan” may include one or more treatment protocols, and eachtreatment protocol includes one or more treatment sessions. Eachtreatment session comprises several session periods, with each sessionperiod including a particular exercise for treating the body part of thepatient. For example, a treatment plan for post-operative rehabilitationafter a knee surgery may include an initial treatment protocol withtwice daily stretching sessions for the first 3 days after surgery and amore intensive treatment protocol with active exercise sessionsperformed 4 times per day starting 4 days after surgery. A treatmentplan may also include information pertaining to a medical procedure toperform on the patient, a treatment protocol for the patient using atreatment device, a diet regimen for the patient, a medication regimenfor the patient, a sleep regimen for the patient, additional regimens,or some combination thereof.

The terms telemedicine, telehealth, telemed, teletherapeutic,telemedicine, remote medicine, etc. may be used interchangeably herein.

As used herein, the term healthcare provider may include a medicalprofessional (e.g., such as a doctor, a nurse, a therapist, and thelike), an exercise professional (e.g., such as a coach, a trainer, anutritionist, and the like), or another professional sharing at leastone of medical and exercise attributes (e.g., such as an exercisephysiologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and thelike). As used herein, and without limiting the foregoing, a “healthcareprovider” may be a human being, a robot, a virtual assistant, a virtualassistant in virtual and/or augmented reality, or an artificiallyintelligent entity, such entity including a software program, integratedsoftware and hardware, or hardware alone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may bepreferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, orotherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that thefollowing description has broad application, and the discussion of anyembodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and notintended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims, is limited to that embodiment.

Determining optimal remote examination procedures to create an optimaltreatment plan for a patient having certain characteristics (e.g.,vital-sign or other measurements; performance; demographic;psychographic; geographic; diagnostic; measurement- or test-based;medically historic; behavioral historic; cognitive; etiologic;cohort-associative; differentially diagnostic; surgical, physicallytherapeutic, pharmacologic and other treatment(s) recommended; etc.) maybe a technically challenging problem. For example, a multitude ofinformation may be considered when determining a treatment plan, whichmay result in inefficiencies and inaccuracies in the treatment planselection process. In a rehabilitative setting, some of the multitude ofinformation considered may include characteristics of the patient suchas personal information, performance information, and measurementinformation. The personal information may include, e.g., demographic,psychographic or other information, such as an age, a weight, a gender,a height, a body mass index, a medical condition, a familial medicationhistory, an injury, a medical procedure, a medication prescribed, orsome combination thereof. The performance information may include, e.g.,an elapsed time of using a treatment device, an amount of force exertedon a portion of the treatment device, a range of motion achieved on thetreatment device, a movement speed of a portion of the treatment device,a duration of use of the treatment device, an indication of a pluralityof pain levels using the treatment device, or some combination thereof.The measurement information may include, e.g., a vital sign, arespiration rate, a heartrate, a temperature, a blood pressure, aglucose level or other biomarker, or some combination thereof. It may bedesirable to process and analyze the characteristics of a multitude ofpatients, the treatment plans performed for those patients, and theresults of the treatment plans for those patients.

Further, another technical problem may involve distally treating, via acomputing device during a telemedicine session, a patient from alocation different than a location at which the patient is located. Anadditional technical problem is controlling or enabling, from thedifferent location, the control of a treatment apparatus used by thepatient at the patient's location. Oftentimes, when a patient undergoesrehabilitative surgery (e.g., knee surgery), a medical professional mayprescribe a treatment apparatus to the patient to use to perform atreatment protocol at their residence or at any mobile location ortemporary domicile. A medical professional may refer to a doctor,physician assistant, nurse, chiropractor, dentist, physical therapist,acupuncturist, physical trainer, or the like. A medical professional mayrefer to any person with a credential, license, degree, or the like inthe field of medicine, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or the like.

When the healthcare provider is located in a location different from thepatient and the treatment device, it may be technically challenging forthe healthcare provider to monitor the patient's actual progress (asopposed to relying on the patient's word about their progress) in usingthe treatment device, modify the treatment plan according to thepatient's progress, adapt the treatment device to the personalcharacteristics of the patient as the patient performs the treatmentplan, and the like.

Further, in addition to the information described above, determiningoptimal examination procedures for a particular ailment (e.g., injury,disease, any applicable medical condition, etc.) may include physicallyexamining the injured body part of a patient. The healthcare provider,such as a physician or a physical therapist, may visually inspect theinjured body part (e.g., a knee joint). The inspection may includelooking for signs of inflammation or injury (e.g., swelling, redness,and warmth), deformity (e.g., symmetrical joints and abnormal contoursand/or appearance), or any other suitable observation. To determinelimitations of the injured body part, the healthcare provider mayobserve the injured body part as the patient attempts to perform normalactivity (e.g., bending and extending the knee and gauging anylimitations to the range of motion of the injured knee). The healthcareprovide may use one or more hands and/or fingers to touch the injuredbody part. By applying pressure to the injured body part, the healthcareprovider can obtain information pertaining to the extent of the injury.For example, the healthcare provider's fingers may palpate the injuredbody part to determine if there is point tenderness, warmth, weakness,strength, or to make any other suitable observation.

It may be desirable to compare characteristics of the injured body partwith characteristics of a corresponding non-injured body part todetermine what an optimal treatment plan for the patient may be suchthat the patient can obtain a desired result. Thus, the healthcareprovider may examine a corresponding non-injured body part of thepatient. For example, the healthcare provider's fingers may palpate anon-injured body part (e.g., a left knee) to determine a baseline of howthe patient's non-injured body part feels and functions. The healthcareprovider may use the results of the examination of the non-injured bodypart to determine the extent of the injury to the corresponding injuredbody part (e.g., a right knee). Additionally, injured body parts mayaffect other body parts (e.g., a knee injury may limit the use of theaffected leg, leading to atrophy of leg muscles). Thus, the healthcareprovider may also examine additional body parts of the patient forevidence of atrophy of or injury to surrounding ligaments, tendons,bones, and muscles, examples of muscles being such as quadriceps,hamstrings, or calf muscle groups of the leg with the knee injury. Thehealthcare provider may also obtain information as to a pain level ofthe patient before, during, and/or after the examination.

The healthcare provider can use the information obtained from theexamination (e.g., the results of the examination) to determine a propertreatment plan for the patient. If the healthcare provider cannotconduct a physical examination of the one or more body parts of thepatient, the healthcare provider may not be able to fully assess thepatient's injury and the treatment plan may not be optimal. Accordingly,embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to systems and methods forconducting a remote examination of a patient. The remote examinationsystem provides the healthcare provider with the ability to conduct aremote examination of the patient, not only by communicating with thepatient, but by virtually observing and/or feeling the patient's one ormore body parts.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may beconfigured for remote examination of a patient. For example, the systemsand methods may be configured to use a treatment device configured to bemanipulated by an individual while performing a treatment plan. Theindividual may include a user, patient, or other a person using thetreatment device to perform various exercises for prehabilitation,rehabilitation, stretch training, and the like. The systems and methodsdescribed herein may be configured to use and/or provide a patientinterface comprising an output device configured to present telemedicineinformation associated with a telemedicine session.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may beconfigured for remote examination of a patient. For example, the systemsand methods may be configured to use a treatment device configured to bemanipulated by a healthcare provider while the patient is performing atreatment plan. The systems and methods described herein may beconfigured to receive slave sensor data from the one or more slavesensors, use a manipulation of the master device to generate amanipulation instruction, transmit the manipulation instruction, and usethe manipulation instruction to cause the slave pressure system toactivate. Any or all of the methods described may be implemented duringa telemedicine session or at any other desired time.

In some embodiments, the treatment devices may be communicativelycoupled to a server. Characteristics of the patients, including thetreatment data, may be collected before, during, and/or after thepatients perform the treatment plans. For example, any or each of thepersonal information, the performance information, and the measurementinformation may be collected before, during, and/or after a patientperforms the treatment plans. The results (e.g., improved performance ordecreased performance) of performing each exercise may be collected fromthe treatment device throughout the treatment plan and after thetreatment plan is performed. The parameters, settings, configurations,etc. (e.g., position of pedal, amount of resistance, etc.) of thetreatment device may be collected before, during, and/or after thetreatment plan is performed.

Each characteristic of the patient, each result, and each parameter,setting, configuration, etc. may be timestamped and may be correlatedwith a particular step or set of steps in the treatment plan. Such atechnique may enable the determination of which steps in the treatmentplan lead to desired results (e.g., improved muscle strength, range ofmotion, etc.) and which steps lead to diminishing returns (e.g.,continuing to exercise after 3 minutes actually delays or harmsrecovery).

Data may be collected from the treatment devices and/or any suitablecomputing device (e.g., computing devices where personal information isentered, such as the interface of the computing device described herein,a clinician interface, patient interface, and the like) over time as thepatients use the treatment devices to perform the various treatmentplans. The data that may be collected may include the characteristics ofthe patients, the treatment plans performed by the patients, the resultsof the treatment plans, any of the data described herein, any othersuitable data, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the data may be processed to group certain peopleinto cohorts. The people may be grouped by people having certain orselected similar characteristics, treatment plans, and results ofperforming the treatment plans. For example, athletic people having nomedical conditions who perform a treatment plan (e.g., use the treatmentdevice for 30 minutes a day 5 times a week for 3 weeks) and who fullyrecover may be grouped into a first cohort. Older people who areclassified obese and who perform a treatment plan (e.g., use thetreatment plan for 10 minutes a day 3 times a week for 4 weeks) and whoimprove their range of motion by 75 percent may be grouped into a secondcohort.

In some embodiments, an artificial intelligence engine may include oneor more machine learning models that are trained using the cohorts. Insome embodiments, the artificial intelligence engine may be used toidentify trends and/or patterns and to define new cohorts based onachieving desired results from the treatment plans and machine learningmodels associated therewith may be trained to identify such trendsand/or patterns and to recommend and rank the desirability of the newcohorts. For example, the one or more machine learning models may betrained to receive an input of characteristics of a new patient and tooutput a treatment plan for the patient that results in a desiredresult. The machine learning models may match a pattern between thecharacteristics of the new patient and at least one patient of thepatients included in a particular cohort. When a pattern is matched, themachine learning models may assign the new patient to the particularcohort and select the treatment plan associated with the at least onepatient. The artificial intelligence engine may be configured tocontrol, distally and based on the treatment plan, the treatment devicewhile the new patient uses the treatment device to perform the treatmentplan.

As may be appreciated, the characteristics of the new patient (e.g., anew user) may change as the new patient uses the treatment device toperform the treatment plan. For example, the performance of the patientmay improve quicker than expected for people in the cohort to which thenew patient is currently assigned. Accordingly, the machine learningmodels may be trained to dynamically reassign, based on the changedcharacteristics, the new patient to a different cohort that includespeople having characteristics similar to the now-changed characteristicsas the new patient. For example, a clinically obese patient may loseweight and no longer meet the weight criterion for the initial cohort,result in the patient's being reassigned to a different cohort with adifferent weight criterion.

A different treatment plan may be selected for the new patient, and thetreatment device may be controlled, distally (e.g., which may bereferred to as remotely) and based on the different treatment plan,while the new patient uses the treatment device to perform the treatmentplan. Such techniques may provide the technical solution of distallycontrolling a treatment device.

Further, the systems and methods described herein may lead to fasterrecovery times and/or better results for the patients because thetreatment plan that most accurately fits their characteristics isselected and implemented, in real-time, at any given moment. “Real-time”may also refer to near real-time, which may be less than 10 seconds orany reasonably proximate difference between two different times. Asdescribed herein, the term “results” may refer to medical results ormedical outcomes. Results and outcomes may refer to responses to medicalactions. The term “medical action(s)” may refer to any suitable actionperformed by the medical professional, and such action or actions mayinclude diagnoses, prescription of treatment plans, prescription oftreatment devices, and the making, composing and/or executing ofappointments, telemedicine sessions, prescription of medicines,telephone calls, emails, text messages, and the like.

Depending on what result is desired, the artificial intelligence enginemay be trained to output several treatment plans. For example, oneresult may include recovering to a threshold level (e.g., 75% range ofmotion) in a fastest amount of time, while another result may includefully recovering (e.g., 100% range of motion) regardless of the amountof time. The data obtained from the patients and sorted into cohorts mayindicate that a first treatment plan provides the first result forpeople with characteristics similar to the patient's, and that a secondtreatment plan provides the second result for people withcharacteristics similar to the patient.

Further, the artificial intelligence engine may be trained to outputtreatment plans that are not optimal i.e., sub-optimal, nonstandard, orotherwise excluded (all referred to, without limitation, as “excludedtreatment plans”) for the patient. For example, if a patient has highblood pressure, a particular exercise may not be approved or suitablefor the patient as it may put the patient at unnecessary risk or eveninduce a hypertensive crisis and, accordingly, that exercise may beflagged in the excluded treatment plan for the patient. In someembodiments, the artificial intelligence engine may monitor thetreatment data received while the patient (e.g., the user) with, forexample, high blood pressure, uses the treatment device to perform anappropriate treatment plan and may modify the appropriate treatment planto include features of an excluded treatment plan that may providebeneficial results for the patient if the treatment data indicates thepatient is handling the appropriate treatment plan without aggravating,for example, the high blood pressure condition of the patient. In someembodiments, the artificial intelligence engine may modify the treatmentplan if the monitored data shows the plan to be inappropriate orcounterproductive for the user.

In some embodiments, the treatment plans and/or excluded treatment plansmay be presented, during a telemedicine or telehealth session, to ahealthcare provider. The healthcare provider may select a particulartreatment plan for the patient to cause that treatment plan to betransmitted to the patient and/or to control, based on the treatmentplan, the treatment device. In some embodiments, to facilitatetelehealth or telemedicine applications, including remote diagnoses,determination of treatment plans and rehabilitative and/or pharmacologicprescriptions, the artificial intelligence engine may receive and/oroperate distally from the patient and the treatment device.

In such cases, the recommended treatment plans and/or excluded treatmentplans may be presented simultaneously with a video of the patient inreal-time or near real-time during a telemedicine or telehealth sessionon a user interface of a computing device of a medical professional. Thevideo may also be accompanied by audio, text and other multimediainformation and/or other sensorial or perceptive (e.g., tactile,gustatory, haptic, pressure-sensing-based or electromagnetic (e.g.,neurostimulation). Real-time may refer to less than or equal to 2seconds. Near real-time may refer to any interaction of a sufficientlyshort time to enable two individuals to engage in a dialogue via suchuser interface, and will generally be less than 10 seconds (or anysuitably proximate difference between two different times) but greaterthan 2 seconds.

Presenting the treatment plans generated by the artificial intelligenceengine concurrently with a presentation of the patient video may providean enhanced user interface because the healthcare provider may continueto visually and/or otherwise communicate with the patient while alsoreviewing the treatment plans on the same user interface. The enhanceduser interface may improve the healthcare provider's experience usingthe computing device and may encourage the healthcare provider to reusethe user interface. Such a technique may also reduce computing resources(e.g., processing, memory, network) because the healthcare provider doesnot have to switch to another user interface screen to enter a query fora treatment plan to recommend based on the characteristics of thepatient. The artificial intelligence engine may be configured toprovide, dynamically on the fly, the treatment plans and excludedtreatment plans.

In some embodiments, the treatment device may be adaptive and/orpersonalized because its properties, configurations, and positions maybe adapted to the needs of a particular patient. For example, the pedalsmay be dynamically adjusted on the fly (e.g., via a telemedicine sessionor based on programmed configurations in response to certainmeasurements being detected) to increase or decrease a range of motionto comply with a treatment plan designed for the user. In someembodiments, a healthcare provider may adapt, remotely during atelemedicine session, the treatment device to the needs of the patientby causing a control instruction to be transmitted from a server totreatment device. Such adaptive nature may improve the results ofrecovery for a patient, furthering the goals of personalized medicine,and enabling personalization of the treatment plan on a per-individualbasis.

FIGS. 1-11, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of this disclosure are by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of thedisclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level component diagram of an illustrativeremote examination system 100 according to certain embodiments of thisdisclosure. In some embodiments, the remote examination system 100 mayinclude a slave computing device 102 communicatively coupled to a slavedevice, such as a treatment device 106. The treatment device can includea slave sensor 108 and a slave pressure system 110. The slave pressuresystem can include a slave motor 112. The remote examination system mayalso be communicatively coupled to an imaging device 116. Each of theslave computing device 102, the treatment device 106, and the imagingdevice 116 may include one or more processing devices, memory devices,and network interface cards. The network interface cards may enablecommunication via a wireless protocol for transmitting data over shortdistances, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc. In some embodiments, theslave computing device 102 is communicatively coupled to the treatmentdevice 106 and the imaging device 116 via Bluetooth.

Additionally, the network interface cards may enable communicating dataover long distances, and in one example, the slave computing device 102may communicate with a network 104. The network 104 may be a publicnetwork (e.g., connected to the Internet via wired (Ethernet) orwireless (WiFi)), a private network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) orwide area network (WAN)), or a combination thereof. The slave computingdevice 102 may be communicatively coupled with one or more mastercomputing devices 122 and a cloud-based computing system 142.

The slave computing device 102 may be any suitable computing device,such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or computer. The slave computingdevice 102 may include a display that is capable of presenting a userinterface, such as a patient portal 114. The patient portal 114 may beimplemented in computer instructions stored on the one or more memorydevices of the slave computing device 102 and executable by the one ormore processing devices of the slave computing device 102. The patientportal 114 may present various screens to a patient that enable thepatient to view his or her medical records, a treatment plan, orprogress during the treatment plan; to initiate a remote examinationsession; to control parameters of the treatment device 106; to viewprogress of rehabilitation during the remote examination session; orcombination thereof. The slave computing device 102 may also includeinstructions stored on the one or more memory devices that, whenexecuted by the one or more processing devices of the slave computingdevice 102, perform operations to control the treatment device 106.

The slave computing device 102 may execute the patient portal 114. Thepatient portal 114 may be implemented in computer instructions stored onthe one or more memory devices of the slave computing device 102 andexecutable by the one or more processing devices of the slave computingdevice 102. The patient portal 114 may present various screens to apatient which enable the patient to view a remote examination providedby a healthcare provider, such as a physician or a physical therapist.The patient portal 114 may also provide remote examination informationfor a patient to view. The examination information can include a summaryof the examination and/or results of the examination in real-time ornear real-time, such as measured properties (e.g., angles ofbend/extension, pressure exerted on the treatment device 106, images ofthe examined/treated body part, vital signs of the patient, such asheartrate, temperature, etc.) of the patient during the examination. Thepatient portal 114 may also provide the patient's health information,such as a health history, a treatment plan, and a progress of thepatient throughout the treatment plan. So the examination of the patientmay begin, the examination information specific to the patient may betransmitted via the network 104 to the cloud-based computing system 142for storage and/or to the slave computing device 102.

The treatment device 106 may be an examination device for a body part ofa patient. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D, the treatment device 106 can beconfigured in alternative arrangements and is not limited to the exampleembodiments described in this disclosure. Although not illustrated, thetreatment device 106 can include a slave motor 112 and a motorcontroller 118. The treatment device 106 can include a slave pressuresystem 110. The slave pressure system 110 is any suitable pressuresystem configured to increase and/or decrease the pressure in thetreatment device 106. For example, the slave pressure system 110 cancomprise the slave motor 112, the motor controller 118, and a pump. Themotor controller 118 can activate the slave motor 112 to cause a pump orany other suitable device to inflate or deflate one or more sections 210of the treatment device 106. The treatment device 106 can be operativelycoupled to one or more slave processing devices. The one or more slaveprocessing devices can be configured to execute instructions inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the treatment device 106 may comprise a brace202 (e.g., a knee brace) configured to fit on the patient's body part,such as an arm, a wrist, a neck, a torso, a leg, a knee, an ankle, hips,or any other suitable body part. The brace 202 may include slave sensors108. The slave sensors 108 can be configured to detect informationcorrelating with the patient. For example, the slave sensors 108 candetect a measured level of force exerted from the patient to thetreatment device 106, a temperature of the one or more body parts incontact with the patient, a movement of the treatment device 106, anyother suitable information, or any combination thereof. The brace 202may include sections 210. The sections 210 can be formed as one or morechambers. The sections 210 may be configured to be filled with a liquid(e.g., a gel, air, water, etc.). The sections 210 may be configured inone or more shapes, such as, but not limited to rectangles, squares,diamonds circles, trapezoids, any other suitable shape, or combinationthereof. The sections 210 may be the same or different sizes. Thesections 210 may be positioned throughout the treatment device 106. Thesections 210 can be positioned on the brace 202 above a knee portion,below the knee portion, and along the sides of the knee portion. In someembodiments, the brace 202 may include sections 210 positioned adjacentto each other and positioned throughout the brace 202. The sections 210are not limited to the exemplary illustrations in FIG. 4. The brace 202may include the one or more materials for the brace 202 and, in someembodiments, straps coupled to the brace 202. The brace 202 be formedfrom metal, foam, plastic, elastic, or any suitable material orcombination of materials. The brace 202 may be formed in any suitableshape, size, or design.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the treatment device 106 may comprise a cap204 that can be configured to fit onto the patient's head. FIG. 2Billustrates exemplary layers of the treatment device 106. The treatmentdevice 106 may include a first layer 212 and a second layer 214. Thefirst layer may be an outer later and the second layer 214 may be aninner layer. The second layer 214 may include the sections 210 and oneor more sensors 108. In this example embodiment, the sections 210 arecoupled to and/or from portions of the second layer 214. The sections210 can be configured in a honeycomb pattern. The one or more sensors108 may be coupled to the first layer 212. The first layer 212 can becoupled to the second layer 214. The first layer 212 can be designed toprotect the sections 210 and the sensors 108. The cap 204 may include astrap. The cap 204 and/or the strap be formed from metal, foam, plastic,elastic, or any suitable material or combination of materials. The cap204 may be formed in any suitable shape, size, or design.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the slave may comprise a mat 206. The mat 206may be configured for a patient to lie or sit down, or to stand upon.The mat 206 may include one or more sensors 108. The mat 206 may includeone or more sections 210. The sections 210 in the treatment device 106can be configured in a square grid pattern. The one or more sensors 108may be coupled to and/or positioned within the one or more sections 210.The mat 206 can be rectangular, circular, square, or any other suitableconfiguration. The mat 206 be formed from metal, foam, plastic, elastic,or any suitable material or combination of materials. The mat 206 mayinclude one or more layers, such as a top layer.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the treatment device 106 may comprise a wrap208. The wrap 208 may be configured to wrap the wrap 208 around one ormore portions and/or one or more body parts of the patient. For example,the wrap 208 may be configured to wrap around a person's torso. The wrap208 may include one or more sensors 108. The wrap 208 may include one ormore sections 210. The sections 210 in the treatment device 106 can beconfigured in a diamond grid pattern. The one or more sensors 108 may becoupled to and/or positioned within the one or more sections 210. Thewrap 208 can be rectangular, circular, square, or any other suitableconfiguration. The wrap 208 may include a strap. The wrap 208 and/or thestrap be formed from metal, foam, plastic, elastic, or any suitablematerial or combination of materials.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the treatment device may comprise anelectromechanical device, such as a physical therapy device. FIG. 8illustrates a perspective view of an example of a treatment device 800according to certain aspects of this disclosure. Specifically, thetreatment device 800 illustrated is an electromechanical device 802,such as an exercise and rehabilitation device (e.g., a physical therapydevice or the like). The electromechanical device 802 is shown havingpedal 810 on opposite sides that are adjustably positionable relative toone another on respective radially-adjustable couplings 808. Thedepicted electromechanical device 802 is configured as a small andportable unit so that it is easily transported to different locations atwhich rehabilitation or treatment is to be provided, such as atpatients' homes, alternative care facilities, or the like. The patientmay sit in a chair proximate the electromechanical device 802 to engagethe electromechanical device 802 with the patient's feet, for example.The electromechanical device 802 includes a rotary device such asradially-adjustable couplings 808 or flywheel or the like rotatablymounted such as by a central hub to a frame or other support. The pedals810 are configured for interacting with a patient to be rehabilitatedand may be configured for use with lower body extremities such as thefeet, legs, or upper body extremities, such as the hands, arms, and thelike. For example, the pedal 810 may be a bicycle pedal of the typehaving a foot support rotatably mounted onto an axle with bearings. Theaxle may or may not have exposed end threads for engaging a mount on theradially-adjustable coupling 808 to locate the pedal on theradially-adjustable coupling 808. The radially-adjustable coupling 808may include an actuator configured to radially adjust the location ofthe pedal to various positions on the radially-adjustable coupling 808.

Alternatively, the radially-adjustable coupling 808 may be configured tohave both pedals 810 on opposite sides of a single coupling 808. In someembodiments, as depicted, a pair of radially-adjustable couplings 808may be spaced apart from one another but interconnected to the electricmotor 806. In the depicted example, the computing device 102 may bemounted on the frame of the electromechanical device 802 and may bedetachable and held by the user while the user operates theelectromechanical device 802. The computing device 102 may present thepatient portal 114 and control the operation of the electric motor 806,as described herein.

In some embodiments, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,173,094 (U.S.application Ser. No. 15/700,293), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety for all purposes, the device 106 may take theform of a traditional exercise/rehabilitation device which is more orless non-portable and remains in a fixed location, such as arehabilitation clinic or medical practice. The device 106 may include aseat and be less portable than the device 106 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 isnot intended to be limiting: the treatment device 800 may include moreor fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9-10 generally illustrate an embodiment of a treatment device,such as a treatment device 10. More specifically, FIG. 9 generallyillustrates a treatment device 10 in the form of an electromechanicaldevice, such as a stationary cycling machine 14, which may be called astationary bike, for short. The stationary cycling machine 14 includes aset of pedals 12 each attached to a pedal arm 20 for rotation about anaxle 16. In some embodiments, and as generally illustrated in FIG. 9,the pedals 12 are movable on the pedal arm 20 in order to adjust a rangeof motion used by the patient in pedaling. For example, the pedals beinglocated inwardly toward the axle 16 corresponds to a smaller range ofmotion than when the pedals are located outwardly away from the axle 16.A pressure sensor 18 is attached to or embedded within one of the pedals12 for measuring an amount of force applied by the patient on the pedal102. The pressure sensor 18 may communicate wirelessly to the treatmentdevice 10 and/or to the patient interface 26. FIGS. 9-10 are notintended to be limiting: the treatment device 10 may include more orfewer components than those illustrated in FIGS. 9-10.

FIG. 11 generally illustrates a person (a patient) using the treatmentdevice of FIG. 9, and showing sensors and various data parametersconnected to a patient interface 26. The example patient interface 26 isa tablet computer or smartphone, or a phablet, such as an iPad, aniPhone, an Android device, or a Surface tablet, which is held manuallyby the patient. In some other embodiments, the patient interface 26 maybe embedded within or attached to the treatment device 10. FIG. 11generally illustrates the patient wearing the ambulation sensor 22 onhis wrist, with a note showing “STEPS TODAY 1355”, indicating that theambulation sensor 22 has recorded and transmitted that step count to thepatient interface 26. FIG. 11 also generally illustrates the patientwearing the goniometer 24 on his right knee, with a note showing “KNEEANGLE 72°”, indicating that the goniometer 24 is measuring andtransmitting that knee angle to the patient interface 26. FIG. 11generally illustrates a right side of one of the pedals 12 with apressure sensor 18 showing “FORCE 12.5 lbs.”, indicating that the rightpedal pressure sensor 18 is measuring and transmitting that forcemeasurement to the patient interface 26. FIG. 11 also generallyillustrates a left side of one of the pedals 12 with a pressure sensor18 showing “FORCE 27 lbs.”, indicating that the left pedal pressuresensor 18 is measuring and transmitting that force measurement to thepatient interface 26. FIG. 11 also generally illustrates other patientdata, such as an indicator of “SESSION TIME 0:04:13”, indicating thatthe patient has been using the treatment device 10 for 4 minutes and 13seconds. This session time may be determined by the patient interface 26based on information received from the treatment device 10. FIG. 11 alsogenerally illustrates an indicator showing “PAIN LEVEL 3”. Such a painlevel may be obtained from the patient in response to a solicitation,such as a question, presented upon the patient interface 26. Thetreatment device 106 may include at least one or more motor controllers118 and one or more motors 112, such as an electric motor. A pump, notillustrated, may be operatively coupled to the motor. The pump may be ahydraulic pump or any other suitable pump. The pump may be configured toincrease or decrease pressure within the treatment device 106. The sizeand speed of the pump may determine the flow rate (i.e., the speed thatthe load moves) and the load at the slave motor 112 may determine thepressure in one or more sections 210 of the treatment device 106. Thepump can be activated to increase or decrease pressure in the one ormore sections 210. One or more of the sections 210 may include a sensor108. The sensor 108 can be a sensor for detecting signals, such as ameasured level of force, a temperature, or any other suitable signal.The motor controller 118 may be operatively coupled to the motor 112 andconfigured to provide commands to the motor 112 to control operation ofthe motor 112. The motor controller 118 may include any suitablemicrocontroller including a circuit board having one or more processingdevices, one or more memory devices (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) and/orrandom access memory (RAM)), one or more network interface cards, and/orprogrammable input/output peripherals. The motor controller 118 mayprovide control signals or commands to drive the motor 112. The motor112 may be powered to drive the pump of the treatment device 106. Themotor 112 may provide the driving force to the pump to increase ordecrease pressure at configurable speeds. Further, the treatment device106 may include a current shunt to provide resistance to dissipateenergy from the motor 112. In some embodiments, the treatment device 106may comprise a haptic system, a pneumatic system, any other suitablesystem, or combination thereof. For example, the haptic system caninclude a virtual touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions tothe patient through the treatment device 106.

The slave computing device 102 may be communicatively connected to thetreatment device 106 via a network interface card on the motorcontroller 118. The slave computing device 102 may transmit commands tothe motor controller 118 to control the motor 112. The network interfacecard of the motor controller 118 may receive the commands and transmitthe commands to the motor 112 to drive the motor 112. In this way, theslave computing device 102 is operatively coupled to the motor 112.

The slave computing device 102 and/or the motor controller 118 may bereferred to as a control system (e.g., a slave control system) herein.The patient portal 114 may be referred to as a patient user interface ofthe control system. The control system may control the motor 112 tooperate in a number of modes: standby, inflate, and deflate. The standbymode may refer to the motor 112 powering off so it does not provide adriving force to the one or more pumps. For example, if the pump doesnot receive instructions to inflate or deflate the treatment device 106,the motor 112 may remain turned off. In this mode, the treatment device106 may not provide additional pressure to the patient's body part(s).

The inflate mode may refer to the motor 112 receiving manipulationinstructions comprising measurements of pressure, causing the motor 112to drive the one or more pumps coupled to the one or more sections ofthe treatment device 106 to inflate the one or more sections. Themanipulation instruction may be configurable by the healthcare provider.For example, as the healthcare provider moves a master device 126, themovement is provided in a manipulation instruction for the motor 112 todrive the pump to inflate one or more sections of the treatment device106. The manipulation instruction may include a pressure gradient toinflate first and second sections in a right side of a knee brace tofirst and second measured levels of force and inflate a third section ina left side of the knee brace to a third measured level of force. Thefirst measured level of force correlates with the amount of pressureapplied to the master device 126 by the healthcare provider's firstfinger. The second measured level of force correlates with the amount ofpressure applied to the master device 126 by the healthcare provider'ssecond finger. The third measured level of force correlates with theamount of pressure applied to the master device 126 by the healthcareprovider's third finger.

The deflation mode may refer to the motor 112 receiving manipulationinstructions comprising measurements of pressure, causing the motor 112to drive the one or more pumps coupled to the one or more sections ofthe treatment device 106 to deflate the one or more sections. Themanipulation instruction may be configurable by the healthcare provider.For example, as the healthcare provider moves the master device 126, themovement is provided in a manipulation instruction for the motor 112 todrive the pump to deflate one or more sections of the treatment device106. The manipulation instruction may include a pressure gradient todeflate the first and second sections in the right side of the kneebrace to fourth and fifth measured levels of force and deflate the thirdsection in the left side of the knee brace to the third measured levelof force. The fourth measured level of force correlates with the amountof pressure applied to the master device 126 by the healthcareprovider's first finger. The fifth measured level of force correlateswith the amount of pressure applied to the master device 126 by thehealthcare provider's second finger. The sixth measured level of forcecorrelates with the amount of pressure applied to the master device 126by the healthcare provider's third finger. In this example, thehealthcare provider loosened a grip (e.g., applied less pressure to eachof the three fingers) applied to the treatment device 106 virtually viathe master device 126.

During one or more of the modes, the one or more slave sensors 108 maymeasure force (i.e., pressure or weight) exerted by a part of the bodyof the patient. For example, the each of the one or more sections 310 ofthe treatment device 106 may contain any suitable sensor (e.g., straingauge load cell, piezoelectric crystal, hydraulic load cell, etc.) formeasuring force exerted on the treatment device 106. Further, the eachof the one or more sections 310 of the treatment device 106 may containany suitable sensor for detecting whether the body part of the patientseparates from contact with the treatment device 106. The force detectedmay be transmitted via the network interface card of the treatmentdevice 106 to the control system (e.g., slave computing device 102and/or the slave controller 118). As described further below, thecontrol system may modify a parameter of operating the slave motor 112using the measured force. Further, the control system may perform one ormore preventative actions (e.g., locking the slave motor 112 to stop thepump from activating, slowing down the slave motor 112, presenting anotification to the patient such as via the patient portal 114, etc.)when the body part is detected as separated from the treatment device106, among other things.

In some embodiments, the remote examination system 100 includes theimaging device 116. The imaging device 116 may be configured to captureand/or measure angles of extension and/or bend of body parts andtransmit the measured angles to the slave computing device 102 and/orthe master computing device 122. The imaging device 116 may be includedin an electronic device that includes the one or more processingdevices, memory devices, and/or network interface cards. The imagingdevice 116 may be disposed in a cavity of the treatment device 106(e.g., in a mechanical brace). The cavity of the mechanical brace may belocated near a center of the mechanical brace such that the mechanicalbrace affords to bend and extend. The mechanical brace may be configuredto secure to an upper body part (e.g., leg, arm, etc.) and a lower bodypart (e.g., leg, arm, etc.) to measure the angles of bend as the bodyparts are extended away from one another or retracted closer to oneanother.

The imaging device 116 can be a wristband. The wristband may include a2-axis accelerometer to track motion in the X, Y, and Z directions, analtimeter for measuring altitude, and/or a gyroscope to measureorientation and rotation. The accelerometer, altimeter, and/or gyroscopemay be operatively coupled to a processing device in the wristband andmay transmit data to the processing device. The processing device maycause a network interface card to transmit the data to the slavecomputing device 102 and the slave computing device 102 may use the datarepresenting acceleration, frequency, duration, intensity, and patternsof movement to track measurements taken by the patient over certain timeperiods (e.g., days, weeks, etc.). Executing a clinical portal 134, theslave computing device 102 may transmit the measurements to the mastercomputing device 122. Additionally, in some embodiments, the processingdevice of the wristband may determine the measurements taken andtransmit the measurements to the slave computing device 102. In someembodiments, the wristband may use photoplethysmography (PPG), whichdetects an amount of red light or green light on the skin of the wrist,to measure heartrate. For example, blood may absorb green light so thatwhen the heart beats, the blood flow may absorb more green light,thereby enabling the detection of heartrate. The heartrate may be sentto the slave computing device 102 and/or the master computing device122.

The slave computing device 102 may present the measurements (e.g.,measured level of force or temperature) of the body part of the patienttaken by the treatment device 106 and/or the heartrate of the patientvia a graphical indicator (e.g., a graphical element) on the patientportal 114, as discussed further below. The slave computing device 102may also use the measurements and/or the heart rate to control aparameter of operating the treatment device 106. For example, if themeasured level of force exceeds a target pressure level for anexamination session, the slave computing device 102 may control themotor 112 to reduce the pressure being applied to the treatment device106.

In some embodiments, the remote examination system 100 may include amaster computing device 122 communicatively coupled to a master console124. The master console 124 can include a master device 126. The masterdevice 126 can include a master sensor 128 and a master pressure system130. The master pressure system can include a master motor 132. Theremote examination system may also be communicatively coupled to amaster display 136. Each of the master computing device 122, the masterdevice 126, and the master display 136 may include one or moreprocessing devices, memory devices, and network interface cards. Thenetwork interface cards may enable communication via a wireless protocolfor transmitting data over short distances, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee,Near-Field Communications (NFC), etc. In some embodiments, the mastercomputing device 122 is communicatively coupled to the master device 126and the master display 136 via Bluetooth.

Additionally, the network interface cards may enable communicating dataover long distances, and in one example, the master computing device 122may communicate with a network 104. The master computing device 122 maybe communicatively coupled with the slave computing device 102 and thecloud-based computing system 142.

The master computing device 122 may be any suitable computing device,such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or computer. The master computingdevice 122 may include a display capable of presenting a user interface,such as a clinical portal 134. The clinical portal 134 may beimplemented in computer instructions stored on the one or more memorydevices of the master computing device 122 and executable by the one ormore processing devices of the master computing device 122. The clinicalportal 134 may present various screens to a user (e.g., a healthcareprovider), the screens configured to enable the user to view a patient'smedical records, a treatment plan, or progress during the treatmentplan; to initiate a remote examination session; to control parameters ofthe master device 126; to view progress of rehabilitation during theremote examination session, or combination thereof. The master computingdevice 122 may also include instructions stored on the one or morememory devices that, when executed by the one or more processing devicesof the master computing device 122, perform operations to control themaster device 126.

The master computing device 122 may execute the clinical portal 134. Theclinical portal 134 may be implemented in computer instructions storedon the one or more memory devices of the master computing device 122 andexecutable by the one or more processing devices of the master computingdevice 122. The clinical portal 134 may present various screens to ahealthcare provider (e.g., a clinician), the screens configured toenables the clinician to view a remote examination of a patient, such asa patient rehabilitating from a surgery (e.g., knee replacement surgery)or from an injury (e.g., sprained ankle). During a telemedicine session,an augmented image representing one or more body parts of the patientmay be presented simultaneously with a video of the patient on theclinical portal 134 in real-time or in near real-time. For example, theclinical portal 134 may, at the same time, present the augmented image402 of the knee of the patient and portions of the patient's legextending from the knee and a video of the patient's upper body (e.g.,face), so the healthcare provider can engage in more personalcommunication with the patient (e.g., via a video call). The video maybe of the patient's full body, such that, during the telemedicinesession, the healthcare provider may view the patient's entire body. Theaugmented image 402 can be displayed next to the video and/or overlaidonto the respective one or more body parts of the patient. For example,the augmented image 402 may comprise a representation of the treatmentdevice 106 coupled to the patient's knee and leg portions. The clinicalportal 134 may display the representation of the treatment device 106overlaid onto the respective one or more body parts of the patient.Real-time may refer to less than 2 seconds, or any other suitable amountof time. Near real-time may refer to 2 or more seconds. The video mayalso be accompanied by audio, text, and other multimedia information.The master display 136 may also be configured to present the augmentedimage and/or the video as described herein.

Presenting the remote examination generated by the artificialintelligence engine concurrently with a presentation of the patientvideo may provide an enhanced user interface because the healthcareprovider, while reviewing the examination on the same user interface,may also continue to visually and/or otherwise communicate with thepatient. The enhanced user interface may improve the healthcareprovider's experience in using the computing device and may encouragethe healthcare provider to reuse the user interface. Such a techniquemay also reduce computing resources (e.g., processing, memory, network),because the healthcare provider does not have to switch to another userinterface screen and, using the characteristics of the patient, enter aquery for examination guidelines to recommend. For example, the enhanceduser interface may provide the healthcare provider with recommendedprocedures to conduct during the telemedicine session. The recommendedprocedures may comprise a guide map, including indicators of locationsand measured amounts of pressure to apply on the patient's one or morebody parts. The artificial intelligence engine may analyze theexamination results (e.g., measured levels of force exerted to and bythe patient's one or more body parts, the temperature of the patient,the pain level of the patient, a measured range of motion of the one ormore body parts, etc.) and provide, dynamically on the fly, the optimalexamination procedures and excluded examination procedures.

The clinical portal 134 may also provide examination informationgenerated during the telemedicine session for the healthcare provider toview. The examination information can include a summary of theexamination and/or the results of the examination in real-time or nearreal-time, such as measured properties of the patient during theexamination. Examples of the measured properties may include, but arenot limited to, angles of bend/extension, pressure exerted on the masterdevice 126, pressure exerted by the patient on the treatment device 106,images of the examined/treated body part, and vital signs of thepatient, such as heartrate and temperature. The clinical portal 134 mayalso provide the clinician's notes and the patient's health information,such as a health history, a treatment plan, and a progress of thepatient throughout the treatment plan. So the healthcare provider maybegin the remote examination, the examination information specific tothe patient may be transmitted via the network 104 to the cloud-basedcomputing system 142 for storage and/or to the master computing device122.

In some embodiments, the clinical portal 134 may include a treatmentplan that includes one or more examination procedures (e.g.,manipulation instructions to manipulate one or more sections 210 of thetreatment device 106). For example, a healthcare provider may input, tothe clinical portal 134, a treatment plan with pre-determinedmanipulation instructions for the treatment device 106 to perform duringthe remote examination. The healthcare provider may input thepre-determined manipulation instructions prior the remote examination.The treatment device 106 can be activated to perform the manipulationsin accordance with the pre-determined manipulation instructions. Thehealthcare provider may observe the remote examination in real-time andmake modifications to the pre-determined manipulation instructionsduring the remote examination. Additionally, the system 100 can storethe results of the examination and the healthcare provider can completethe examination using the stored results (e.g., stored slave sensordata) and the master device 126. In other words, the master processingdevice can use the slave sensor data to manipulate the master device126. This manipulation of the master device 126 can allow the healthcareprovider to virtually feel the patient's one or more body parts andprovide the healthcare provider with additional information to determinea personalized treatment plan for the patient.

The master device 126 may be an examination device configured forcontrol by a healthcare provider. The master device 126 may be ajoystick, a model treatment device (e.g., a knee brace to fit over amanikin knee), an examination device to fit over a body part of thehealthcare provider (e.g., a glove device), any other suitable device,or combination thereof. The joystick may be configured to be used by ahealthcare provider to provide manipulation instructions. The joystickmay have one or more buttons (e.g., a trigger) to apply more or lesspressure to one or more sections of the treatment device 106. Thejoystick may be configured to control a moveable indicator (e.g., acursor) displayed at the master display or any other suitable display.The moveable indicator can be moved over an augmented image 400 of thetreatment device 106 and/or one or more body parts of the patient. Thehealthcare provider may be able to provide verbal commands to increaseand/or decrease pressure based on where the moveable indicator ispositioned relative to the augmented image 400. The joystick may havemaster sensors 128 within a stick of the joystick. The stick may beconfigured to provide feedback to the user (e.g., vibrations or pressureexerted by the stick to the user's hand).

The model of the treatment device may be formed similarly to thetreatment device 106. For example, if the treatment device 106 is theknee brace 202, the master device can be a model knee brace with similarcharacteristics of the knee brace 202. The model can be configured forcoupling to a manikin or any other suitable device. The model cancomprise the master pressure system 130 and master sensors 128 andfunction as described in this disclosure. The model may be configuredfor a healthcare provider to manipulate (e.g., touch, move, and/or applypressure) to one or more sections of the model and to generate mastersensor data based on such manipulations. The model can be operativelycoupled to the treatment device 106. The master sensor data can be usedto inflate and/or deflate one or more corresponding sections of thetreatment device 106 (e.g., as the healthcare provider is manipulatingthe model, the treatment device 106 is being manipulated on thepatient). Responsive to receiving the slave sensor data, the masterpressure system 130 can active and inflate and/or deflate one or moresections of the model (e.g., the pressure applied to the treatmentdevice 106 by the patient's one or more body parts is similarly appliedto the model for the healthcare provider to examine). The healthcareprovider can essentially feel, with his or her bare (or appropriatelygloved) hands, the patient's one or more body parts (e.g., the knee)while the healthcare provider virtually manipulates the patient bodypart(s).

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include one or more mastercomputing devices 122 and one or more master consoles 124. For example,a second master console can include a second master device 126operatively coupled to a second master computing device. The secondmaster device can comprise a second master pressure system 130, and,using the slave force measurements, the one or more processing devicesof system 100 can be configured to activate the second master pressuresystem 130. During and/or after a telemedicine session, one or morehealthcare providers can manipulate the treatment device 106 and/or usethe slave sensor data to virtually feel the one or more body parts ofthe patient. For example, a physician and a physical therapist mayvirtually feel the one or more body parts of the patient at the sametime or at different times. The physician may provide the manipulationinstructions and the physical therapist may observe (e.g., virtually seeand/or feel) how the patient's one or more body parts respond to themanipulations. The physician and the physical therapist may usedifferent examination techniques (e.g., locations of the manipulationsand/or measure levels of force applied to the treatment device 106) toobtain information for providing a treatment plan for the patient.Resulting from the physician using the master device 106 and thephysical therapist using the second master device, each can providemanipulation instructions to the treatment device 106. The manipulationinstructions from the master device 106 and the second master device maybe provided at the same time or at a different time (e.g., the physicianprovides a first manipulation instruction via the master device 126 andthe physical therapist provides a second manipulation instruction viathe second master device). In another example, the physician may haveinput a pre-determined manipulation instruction for the remoteexamination and the physical therapist may use the second master deviceto adjust the pre-determined manipulation instructions. The physicianand the physical therapist may be located remotely from each other (andremotely from the patient) and each can use the system 100 to examinethe patient and provide a personalized treatment plan for the patient.The system 100 can allow for collaboration between one or morehealthcare providers and provide the healthcare providers withinformation to make optimal adjustments to the patient's treatment plan.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the master device 126 comprises a glove device300 configured to fit on a healthcare provider's hand. The glove device300 can include fingers 302. The glove may include one or more sensors(e.g., one or more master sensors 128). The glove device 300 may includethe master sensors 128 positioned along the fingers 302, 304, 306, 308,310 (collectively, fingers 302), throughout the palm of the glove, inany other suitable location, or in any combination thereof. For example,each finger can include a series of master sensors 128 positioned alongthe fingers 302. Each of the series of master sensors 128 can beoperatively coupled to one or more master controllers 138. The masterdevice 126 may include at least one or more master controllers 138 andone or more master motors 132, such as an electric motor (notillustrated).

A pump (not illustrated) may be operatively coupled to the motor. Thepump may be configured to increase or decrease pressure within themaster device 126. The master device 126 may include one or moresections and the pump can be activated to increase or decrease pressure(e.g., inflating or deflating fluid, such as water, gel, air) in the oneor more sections (e.g., one or more fingertips). One or more of thesections may include a master sensor 128. The master sensor 128 can be asensor for detecting signals, such as pressure, or any other suitablesignal. The master controller 138 may be operatively coupled to themaster motor 132 and configured to provide commands to the master motor132 to control operation of the master motor 132. The master controller138 may include any suitable microcontroller including a circuit boardhaving one or more processing devices, one or more memory devices (e.g.,read-only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM)), one or morenetwork interface cards, and/or programmable input/output peripherals.The master controller 138 may provide control signals or commands todrive the master motor 132. The master motor 132 may be powered to drivethe pump of the master device 126. The master motor 132 may provide thedriving force to the pump to increase or decrease pressure atconfigurable speeds. Further, the master device 126 may include acurrent shunt to provide resistance to dissipate energy from the mastermotor 132. In some embodiments, the treatment device 106 may comprise ahaptic system, a pneumatic system, any other suitable system, orcombination thereof. For example, the haptic system can include avirtual touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to thehealthcare provider through the master device 126.

The master computing device 122 may be communicatively connected to themaster device 126 via a network interface card on the master controller138. The master computing device 122 may transmit commands to the mastercontroller 138 to control the master motor 132. The network interfacecard of the master controller 138 may receive the commands and transmitthe commands to the master controller 138 to drive the master motor 132.In this way, the master computing device 122 is operatively coupled tothe master motor 132.

The master computing device 122 and/or the master controller 138 may bereferred to as a control system (e.g., a master control system) herein.The clinical portal 134 may be referred to as a clinical user interfaceof the control system. The master control system may control the mastermotor 132 to operate in a number of modes, including: standby, inflate,and deflate. The standby mode may refer to the master motor 132 poweringoff so that it does not provide any driving force to the one or morepumps. For example, when the healthcare provider is not touching anaugmented image of the treatment device 106, the pump of the masterdevice 126 may not receive instructions to inflate or deflate one ormore sections of the master device 126 and the master motor 132 mayremain turned off. In the standby mode, the master device 126 may notapply pressure to the healthcare provider's body part(s) (e.g., to thehealthcare provider's finger 304 via the glove device 300) because thehealthcare provider is not in virtual contact with the treatment device106. Furthermore, in standby mode, the master device 126 may nottransmit the master sensor data based on manipulations of the masterdevice 126 (e.g., pressure virtually exerted from the healthcare careprovider's hand to the master device 126) to the patient via thetreatment device 106.

The inflate mode may refer to the master motor 132 receiving slavesensor data comprising measurements of pressure, causing the mastermotor 132 to drive the one or more pumps coupled to the one or moresections of the master device 126 (e.g., one or more fingers 302, 304,406, 308, 310) to inflate the one or more sections. The slave sensordata may be provided by the one or more slave sensors 108 of thetreatment device 106 via the slave computing device 102. For example, asthe healthcare provider manipulates (e.g., moves) the master device 126to virtually contact one or more body parts of the patient using thetreatment device 106 in contact with the patient's one or more bodyparts, the treatment device 106 is manipulated. The slave sensors 108are configured to detect the manipulation of the treatment device 106.The detected information may include how the patient's one or more bodyparts respond to the manipulation. The one or more slave sensors 108 maydetect that one area of the patient's body part exerts a first measuredlevel of force and that another area of the patient's body part exerts asecond measured level of force (e.g., the one area may be swollen orinconsistent with baseline measurements or expectations as compared tothe other area). The master computing device 122 can receive theinformation from the slave sensor data and instruct the master motor 132to drive the pump to inflate one or more sections of the master device126. The level of inflation of the one or more sections of the masterdevice 126 may correlate with one or more measured levels of forcedetected by the treatment device 106. The slave sensor data may includea pressure gradient. The master computing device 122 may instruct themaster pressure system 130 to inflate a first section (e.g., thefingertips of the first finger 302) correlating with the first measuredlevel of force exerted from a left side of the knee brace 202. Themaster computing device 122 may instruct the master pressure system 130to inflate second and third sections (e.g., the fingertips of second andthird fingers 304, 306) correlating with second and third measuredlevels of force exerted from a front side of the knee brace 202. Inother words, in response to the master device 126 virtually touching thetreatment device 106, the first measured level of force may correlatewith the amount of pressure applied to the healthcare provider's firstfinger through the first finger 302 of the master device 126. Similarly,the second measured level of force may correlate with the amount ofmeasured force applied by the healthcare provider's second fingerthrough the second finger 304 of the master device 126. The thirdmeasured level of force may correlate with the amount of measured forceapplied by the healthcare provider's third finger through the thirdfinger 306 of the master device 126. The glove device 300 can include afourth finger 308 to provide a fourth measured level of force, a fifthfinger 310 to provide a fifth measured level of force, and/or othersections, such as a palm, or any combination thereof configured toprovide measured levels of force to the healthcare provider. Thesections of the glove device 300 can be inflated or deflated tocorrelate with the same and/or different levels of measured forceexerted on the treatment device 106.

The deflation mode may refer to the master motor 132 receiving slavesensor data comprising measurements of pressure, causing the mastermotor 132 to drive the one or more pumps coupled to the one or moresections of the master device 126 (e.g., one or more fingers 302) todeflate the one or more sections. The deflation mode of the masterpressure system 130 can function similarly as the inflation mode;however, in the deflation mode, the master pressure system 130 deflates,rather than inflates, the one or more sections of the master device 126.For example, the one or more slave sensors 108 may detect that one areaof the patient's body part exerts a first measured level of force andthat another area of the patient's body part exerts a second measuredlevel of force (e.g., the one area may be less swollen or lessinconsistent with baseline measurements or expectations as compared tothe other area). The master computing device 122 can receive theinformation from the slave sensor data and instruct the master motor 132to drive the pump to deflate one or more sections of the master device126. The level of deflation of the one or more sections of the masterdevice 126 may correlate with one or more measured levels of forcedetected by the treatment device 106.

The measured levels of force can be transmitted between the treatmentdevice 106 and the master device 126 in real-time, near real-time,and/or at a later time. In other words, the healthcare provider can usethe master device 126 to virtually examine the patient's body part usingthe healthcare provider's hand and feel the patient's body part (e.g.,the pressure, etc.). Similarly, the patient can feel the healthcareprovider virtually touching his or her body part (e.g., from thepressure exerted by the treatment device 106). During the telemedicinesession, the patient, via the patient portal 114, can communicate to thehealthcare provider via the clinical portal 134. For example, during theremote examination, the patient can inform the healthcare provider thatthe location of the body part that the healthcare provider is virtuallytouching (e.g., manipulating), is painful. The information can becommunicated verbally and/or visually (e.g., input into the patientportal 114 directly by the client and transmitted to the clinical portal134 and/or the master display 136). The healthcare provider can receiveadditional information, such as temperature of the patient's body part,vital signs of the patient, any other suitable information, or anycombination thereof.

During one or more of the inflation and deflation modes, the one or moremaster sensors 128 may measure force (i.e., pressure) exerted by thehealthcare provider via the master device 126. For example, one or moresections of the master device 126 may contain any suitable sensor (e.g.,strain gauge load cell, piezoelectric crystal, hydraulic load cell,etc.) for measuring force exerted on the master device 126. Further,each section 310 of the master device 126 may contain any suitablesensor for detecting whether the body part of the healthcare providerseparates from contact with the master device 126. The measured level(s)of force detected may be transmitted via the network interface card ofthe master device 126 to the control system (e.g., master computingdevice 122 and/or the master controller 138). As described furtherbelow, using the measured level(s) of force, the control system maymodify a parameter of operating the master motor 132. Further, thecontrol system may perform one or more preventative actions (e.g.,locking the master motor 132 to stop the pump from activating, slowingdown the master motor 132, or presenting a notification to thehealthcare provider (such as via the clinical portal 134, etc.)) whenthe body part is detected as being separated from the master device 126,among other things.

In some embodiments, the remote examination system 100 includes themaster display 136. The master console 124 and/or the clinical portal134 may comprise the master display 136. The master display 136 may beconfigured to display the treatment device 106 and/or one or more bodyparts of a patient. For example, the slave computing device 102 may beoperatively coupled to an imaging device 116 (e.g., a camera or anyother suitable audiovisual device) and/or other sensorial or perceptive(e.g., tactile, gustatory, haptic, pressure-sensing-based orelectromagnetic (e.g., neurostimulation) communication devices. Anyreference herein to any particular sensorial modality shall beunderstood to include and to disclose by implication a different one ormore sensory modalities. The slave computing device 102 can transmit,via the network 104, real images and/or a real live-streaming video ofthe treatment device 106 and/or the patient, to the master display 136.The real images and/or real video may include angles of extension and/orbend of body parts of the patient, or any other suitable characteristicsof the patient. The treatment device 106 may be operatively coupled to amedical device, such as a goniometer. The goniometer may detect anglesof extension and/or bend of body parts of the patient and transmit themeasured angles to the slave computing device 102 and/or the treatmentdevice 106. The slave computing device 102 can transmit the measuredangles to the master computing device 122, to the master display 136, orany other suitable device. The master display 136 can display themeasured angles in numerical format, as an overlay image on the image ofthe treatment device 106 and/or the patient's one or more body parts,any other suitable format, or combination thereof. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 4A, body parts (e.g., a leg and a knee) are extendedat a first angle. In FIG. 4B, the body parts are illustrated as beingextended at a second angle. The master display 136 may be included in anelectronic device that includes the one or more processing devices,memory devices, and/or network interface cards.

Depending on what result is desired, the master computing device 122and/or a training engine 146 may be trained to output a guide map. Theguide map may be overlaid on the augmented image 400. The guide map mayinclude one or more indicators. To guide the master device 126, theindicators can be positioned over one or more sections 310 of theaugmented image 400 of the treatment device 106. For example, theaugmented image 402 may include a first indicator (e.g., dotted lines inthe shape of a fingertip) positioned over a top portion of patient'sknee and a second indicator positioned over a left side of the patient'sknee. The first indicator is a guide for the healthcare provider toplace the first finger 302 on the first indicator and the second finger304 on the second indicator. The guide map may comprise a pressuregradient map. The pressure gradient map can include the current measuredlevels of force at the location of the indicator and/or a desiredmeasured level of force at the location of the indicator. For example,the first indicator may comprise a first color, a first size, or anyother suitable characteristic to indicate a first measured level offorce. The second indicator may comprise a second color, a second size,or any other suitable characteristic to indicate a second measured levelof force. When the master device 126 reaches the desired measured levelsof force, an alert may be provided. The alert may be a visual, audioand/or another alert. For example, the alert may comprise the indicatorchanging colors when the measured level of force is provided. The guidemap may include one or more configurations using characteristics of theinjury, the patient, the treatment plan, the recovery results, theexamination results, any other suitable factors, or any combinationsthereof. One or more configurations may be displayed during the remoteexamination portion of a telemedicine session.

The master computing device 122 and/or the training engine 146 mayinclude one or more thresholds, such as pressure thresholds. The one ormore pressure thresholds may be based on characteristics of the injury,the patient, the treatment plan, the recovery results, the examinationresults, the pain level, any other suitable factors, or any combinationsthereof. For example, one pressure threshold pertaining to the painlevel of the patient may include a pressure threshold level for theslave pressure system 110 not to inflate a particular section 210 morethan a first measured level of force. As the pain level of the patientdecreases, the pressure threshold may change such that a second measuredlevel of force may be applied to that particular section 210. In thiscase, the patient's decreased pain level may, for more optimalexamination results (e.g., the second measured level of force is greaterthan the first measured level of force), allow for the healthcareprovider to increase the measured amount of pressure applied to thepatient's body part. Similarly, the master computing device 122 and/orthe training engine 146 may be configured to adjust any pre-determinedmanipulation instructions. In this way, the manipulation instructionscan be adapted to the specific patient.

In other embodiments, the master display 136 can display an augmentedimage (e.g., exemplary augmented images 400 illustrated in FIG. 4), anaugmented live-streaming video, a holographic image, any other suitabletransmission, or any combination thereof of the treatment device 106and/or one or more body parts of the patient. For example, the masterdisplay 136 may project an augmented image 402 representing thetreatment device 106 (e.g., a knee brace 202). The augmented image 402can include a representation 410 of the knee brace 202. The augmentedimage 402 can include a representation 412 of one or more body parts ofa patient. Using the master device 126, the healthcare provider canplace a hand on the image and manipulate the image (e.g., apply pressurevirtually to one or more sections of the patient's knee via thetreatment device 106. The one or more processing devices may cause anetwork interface card to transmit the data to the master computingdevice 122 and the master computing device 122 may use the datarepresenting pressure, temperature, and patterns of movement to trackmeasurements taken by the patient's recovery over certain time periods(e.g., days, weeks, etc.). In FIG. 4, the augmented images 400 are twodimensional, but the augmented images 400 may be transmitted asthree-dimensional images or as any other suitable image dimensionality.

The master display 136 can be configured to display information obtainedfrom a wristband. The information may include motion measurements of thetreatment device 106 in the X, Y, and Z directions, altitudemeasurements, orientation measurements, rotation measurements, any othersuitable measurements, or any combinations thereof. The wristband may beoperatively coupled to an accelerometer, an altimeter, and/or agyroscope. The accelerometer, the altimeter, and/or the gyroscope may beoperatively coupled to a processing device in the wristband and maytransmit data to the one or more processing devices. The one or moreprocessing devices may cause a network interface card to transmit thedata to the master computing device 122 and the master computing device122 may use the data representing acceleration, frequency, duration,intensity, and patterns of movement to track measurements taken by thepatient over certain time periods (e.g., days, weeks, etc.). Executingthe clinical portal 134, the master computing device 122 may transmitthe measurements to the master display 136. Additionally, in someembodiments, the processing device of the wristband may determine themeasurements taken and transmit the measurements to the slave computingdevice 102. The measurements may be displayed on the patient portal 114.In some embodiments, the wristband may measure heartrate by usingphotoplethysmography (PPG), which detects an amount of red light orgreen light on the skin of the wrist. For example, blood may absorbgreen light so when the heart beats, the blood volume flow may absorbmore green light, thereby enabling heartrate detection. In someembodiments, the wristband may be configured to detect temperature ofthe patient. The heartrate, temperature, any other suitable measurement,or any combination thereof may be sent to the master computing device122.

The master computing device 122 may present the measurements (e.g.,pressure or temperature) of the body part of the patient taken by thetreatment device 106 and/or the heartrate of the patient via a graphicalindicator (e.g., a graphical element) on the clinical portal 134. Themeasurements may be presented as a gradient map, such as a pressuregradient map or a temperature gradient map. The map may be overlaid overthe image of the treatment device 106 and/or the image of the patient'sbody part. For example, FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary augmented image406 displaying a pressure gradient 414 over the image of the patient'sbody parts 412 (e.g., feet). FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary augmentedimage 408 displaying a temperature gradient 416 over the image of thepatient's body parts 412 (e.g., feet).

Referring back to FIG. 1, the remote examination system 100 may includea cloud-based computing system 142. In some embodiments, the cloud-basedcomputing system 142 may include one or more servers 144 that form adistributed computing architecture. Each of the servers 144 may includeone or more processing devices, memory devices, data storage devices,and/or network interface cards. The servers 144 may be in communicationwith one another via any suitable communication protocol. The servers144 may store profiles for each of the users (e.g., patients) configuredto use the treatment device 106. The profiles may include informationabout the users such as a treatment plan, the affected body part, anyprocedure the user had had performed on the affected body part, health,age, race, measured data from the imaging device 116, slave sensor data,measured data from the wristband, measured data from the goniometer,user input received at the patient portal 114 during the telemedicinesession, a level of discomfort the user experienced before and after theremote examination, before and after remote examination images of theaffected body part(s), and so forth.

In some embodiments, the cloud-based computing system 142 may include atraining engine 146 capable of generating one or more machine learningmodels 148. The machine learning models 148 may be trained to generatetreatment plans, procedures for the remote examination, or any othersuitable medical procedure for the patient in response to receivingvarious inputs (e.g., a procedure via a remote examination performed onthe patient, an affected body part the procedure was performed on, otherhealth characteristics (age, race, fitness level, etc.)). The one ormore machine learning models 148 may be generated by the training engine146 and may be implemented in computer instructions executable by one ormore processing devices of the training engine 146 and/or the servers144.

To generate the one or more machine learning models 148, the trainingengine 146 may train the one or more machine learning models 148. Thetraining engine 146 may use a base data set of patient characteristics,results of remote examination(s), treatment plans followed by thepatient, and results of the treatment plan followed by the patients. Theresults may include information indicating whether the remoteexamination led to an identification of the affected body part andwhether the identification led to a partial recovery of the affectedbody part or lack of recovery of the affected body part. The results mayinclude information indicating the measured levels of force applied tothe one or more sections of the treatment device 106.

The training engine 146 may be a rackmount server, a router computer, apersonal computer, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a portabledigital assistant, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, acamera, a video camera, a netbook, a desktop computer, a media center,any other desired computing device, or any combination of the above. Thetraining engine 146 may be cloud-based or a real-time software platform,and it may include privacy software or protocols, and/or securitysoftware or protocols.

The one or more machine learning models 148 may also be trained totranslate characteristics of patients received in real-time (e.g., froman electronic medical records (EMR) system, from the slave sensor data,etc.). The one or more machine learning models 148 may refer to modelartifacts that are created by the training engine 146 using trainingdata that includes training inputs and corresponding target outputs. Thetraining engine 146 may find patterns in the training data that map thetraining input to the target output, and generate the machine learningmodels 148 that capture these patterns. Although depicted separatelyfrom the slave computing device 102, in some embodiments, the trainingengine 146 and/or the machine learning models 148 may reside on theslave computing device 102 and/or the master computing device 122.

Different machine learning models 148 may be trained to recommenddifferent optimal examination procedures for different desired results.For example, one machine learning model may be trained to recommendoptimal pressure maps for most effective examination of a patient, whileanother machine learning model may be trained to recommend optimalpressure maps using the current pain level and/or pain level toleranceof a patient.

The machine learning models 148 may include one or more of a neuralnetwork, such as an image classifier, recurrent neural network,convolutional network, generative adversarial network, a fully connectedneural network, or some combination thereof, for example. In someembodiments, the machine learning models 148 may be composed of a singlelevel of linear or non-linear operations or may include multiple levelsof non-linear operations. For example, the machine learning model mayinclude numerous layers and/or hidden layers that perform calculations(e.g., dot products) using various neurons.

FIGS. 1-4 are not intended to be limiting: the remote examination system100 may include more or fewer components than those illustrated in FIGS.1-4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer-implemented method 500 for remoteexamination. The method 500 may be performed by the remote examinationsystem 100, such as at a master processing device. The processing deviceis described in more detail in FIG. 6. The steps of the method 500 maybe stored in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. Any orall of the steps of method 500 may be implemented during a telemedicinesession or at any other desired time.

At step 502, the method 500 includes the master processing devicereceiving slave sensor data from one or more slave sensors 108. Themaster processing device may receive, via the network 104, the slavesensor data from a slave processing device.

At step 504, the master processing device can transmit an augmentedimage 400. The augmented image 400 may be based on the slave sensordata.

At step 506, the master processing device receives master sensor datacorrelating with a manipulation of the master device 126. For example,the master sensor data may include a measured level of force that theuser, such as a healthcare provider, applied to the master device 126.

At step 508, the master processing device can generate a manipulationinstruction. The manipulation instruction is based on the master sensordata correlating with the manipulation of the master device 126.

At step 510, the master processing device transmits the manipulationinstruction. The master processing device may transmit, via the network104, the manipulation instruction to the slave computing device 102.

At step 512, the master processing device causes the slave pressuresystem to activate. Using the manipulation instruction, the slavecomputing device 102 can cause the treatment device 106 to activate theslave pressure system 110. For example, responsive to the manipulationinstruction (e.g., to increase and/or decrease one or more measuredlevels of force in one or more sections of the treatment device), theslave pressure system 110 can cause the slave controller 118 to activatethe slave motor 112 to inflate and/or deflate the one or more sections210 to one or more measured levels of force.

At step 514, the master processing device receives slave forcemeasurements. The slave force measurements can include one or moremeasurements correlating with one or more measured levels of force thatthe patient's body is applying to the treatment device 106.

At step 516, the master processing device uses the pressure slavemeasurements to activate the master pressure system 130. For example,the master pressure system 130 can cause the master device 126 toinflate and/or deflate one or more sections 310 of the master device 126such that the measured levels of force of the one or more sections 310directly correlate with the one or more measured levels of force thatthe patient's body is applying to the one or more sections 210 of thetreatment device 106.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer-implemented method 600 for remoteexamination. The method 600 may be performed by the remote examinationsystem 100, such as at a slave processing device. The processing deviceis described in more detail in FIG. 6. The steps of the method 600 maybe stored in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. Any orall of the steps of method 600 may be implemented during a telemedicinesession or at any other desired time.

At step 602, the method 600 includes the slave processing devicereceiving slave sensor data from one or more slave sensors 108. The oneor more slave sensors 108 may include one or more measured levels offorce that the patient's body is applying to the treatment device 106.

At step 604, the slave processing device transmits the slave sensordata. The slave processing device may transmit, via the network 104, theslave sensor data to the master computing device 122.

At step 606, the slave processing device may transmit an augmented image400. The augmented image 400 is based on the slave sensor data. Forexample, the augmented image 400 may include a representation of thetreatment device 106, one or more body parts of the patient, measuredlevels of force, measured levels of temperature, any other suitableinformation, or combination thereof.

At step 608, the slave processing device receives a manipulationinstruction. The manipulation instruction can be generated based on themaster sensor data.

At step 610, using the manipulation instruction, the slave processingdevice activates the slave pressure system 110. For example, themanipulation instruction may cause the slave pressure system 110 toinflate and/or deflate one or more sections 210 of the treatment device106 to correlate with one or more levels of force applied to one or moresections 310 of the master device 126.

At step 612, the slave processing device receives slave forcemeasurements. The slave force measurements can include one or moremeasured levels of force exerted by the patient's body to the treatmentdevice 106.

At step 614, the slave processing device transmits the slave forcemeasurements, such as to the master processing device.

At step 616, using the slave force measurements, the slave processingdevice causes a master pressure system 130 to activate. For example, themaster pressure system 130 can cause the master device 126 to inflateand/or deflate one or more sections 310 of the master device 126 suchthat the measured levels of force of the one or more sections 310correlate with the one or more measured levels of force that thepatient's body is applying to the one or more sections 210 of thetreatment device 106.

FIGS. 5-6 are not intended to be limiting: the methods 500, 600 caninclude more or fewer steps and/or processes than those illustrated inFIGS. 5-6. Further, the order of the steps of the methods 500, 600 isnot intended to be limiting; the steps can be arranged in any suitableorder. Any or all of the steps of methods 500, 600 may be implementedduring a telemedicine session or at any other desired time.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure, an example computer system 700 which can perform anyone or more of the methods described herein. The computer system 700 maycorrespond to the slave computing device 102 (e.g., a patient'scomputing device), the master computing device 122 (e.g., a healthcareprovider's computing device), one or more servers of the cloud-basedcomputing system 142, the training engine 146, the server 144, the slavepressure system 110, the master pressure system 130, the slavecontroller 118, the master controller 138, the imaging device 116, themaster display 136, the treatment device 106, the master device 126,and/or the master console 124 of FIG. 1. The computer system 700 may becapable of executing the patient portal 114 and/or clinical portal 134of FIG. 1. The computer system 700 may be connected (e.g., networked) toother computer systems in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, or theInternet. The computer system 700 may operate in the capacity of aserver in a client-server network environment. The computer system maybe a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a motor controller, agoniometer, a wearable (e.g., wristband), a set-top box (STB), apersonal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a camera, a videocamera, or any device capable of executing a set of instructions(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by thatdevice. Further, while only a single computer system is illustrated, theterm “computer” shall also be taken to include any collection ofcomputers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets)of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussedherein.

The computer system 700 includes a processing device 702 (e.g., theslave processing device, the master processing device), a main memory704 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), a static memory 706(e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM)), and a datastorage device 708, which communicate with each other via a bus 710.

The processing device 702 represents one or more general-purposeprocessing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, orthe like. More particularly, the processing device 702 may be a complexinstruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction setcomputing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW)microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets orprocessors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Theprocessing device 702 may also be one or more special-purpose processingdevices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP),network processor, or the like. The processing device 702 is configuredto execute instructions for performing any of the operations and stepsdiscussed herein.

The computer system 700 may further include a network interface device712. The computer system 700 also may include a video display 714 (e.g.,a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED or Organic LED), or a cathode ray tube(CRT)). The video display 714 can represent the master display 136 orany other suitable display. The computer system 700 may include one ormore input devices 716 (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, the goniometer, thewristband, the imaging device 116, or any other suitable input). Thecomputer system 700 may include one or more output devices (e.g., aspeaker 718). In one illustrative example, the video display 714, theinput device(s) 716, and/or the speaker 718 may be combined into asingle component or device (e.g., an LCD touch screen).

The data storage device 708 may include a computer-readable medium 720on which the instructions 722 (e.g., implementing the control system,the patient portal 114, the clinical portal 134, and/or any functionsperformed by any device and/or component depicted in the FIGS. anddescribed herein) embodying any one or more of the methodologies orfunctions described herein are stored. The instructions 722 may alsoreside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 704and/or within the processing device 702 during execution thereof by thecomputer system 700. As such, the main memory 704 and the processingdevice 702 also constitute computer-readable media. The instructions 722may further be transmitted or received over a network via the networkinterface device 712.

While the computer-readable storage medium 720 is shown in theillustrative examples to be a single medium, the term “computer-readablestorage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiplemedia (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. Theterm “computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to includeany medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set ofinstructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be takento include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media,and magnetic media.

In one exemplary embodiment, the computer system 700 includes the inputdevice 716 (e.g., the master console 124 comprising the master device126) and the control system comprising the processing devices 702 (e.g.,the master processing device) operatively coupled to the input device716 and the treatment device 106. The system 700 may comprise one ormore memory devices (e.g., main memory 704, data storage device 708,etc.) operatively coupled to the processing device 702. The one or morememory devices can be configured to store instructions 722. Theprocessing device 702 can be configured to execute the instructions 722to receive the slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors 108,to use a manipulation of the master device 126 to generate amanipulation instruction, to transmit the manipulation instruction, andto use the manipulation instruction to cause the slave pressure system110 to activate. The instructions can be executed in real-time or nearreal-time.

The processing device 702 can be further configured to use the slavesensor data to transmit an augmented image 400 to the video display(e.g., the master display 136). The healthcare provider may view theaugmented image 400 and/or virtually touch the augmented image using thevideo display 714. In other words, the augmented image 400 may comprisea representation of the treatment device 106 and one or more body partsof the patient. The representation may be displayed in 2D, 3D, or anyother suitable dimension. As the healthcare provider conducts the remoteexamination during a telemedicine session, the augmented image 400 maychange to reflect the manipulations of the treatment device 106 and/orof any movement of the patient's one or more body parts.

The augmented image 400 can comprise one or more pressure indicators,temperature indicators, any other suitable indicator, or combinationthereof. Each pressure indicator can represent a measured level of force(i.e., based on the slave force measurements). Each temperatureindicator can represent a measured level of temperature (i.e., based onthe slave temperature measurements). For example, the pressureindicators and/or the temperature indicators may be different colors,each color correlating with one of the measured levels of force andtemperature, respectively. The indicators may be displayed as a map. Themap may be a gradient map displaying the pressure indicators and/ortemperature indicators. The map may be overlaid over the augmentedimage. The map may be transmitted to the clinical portal, the masterdisplay, the patient portal, any other suitable display, or combinationthereof.

The processing device 702 can be further configured to use the slavesensor data (e.g., the slave force measurements) to provide acorresponding level of measured force to the master device 126. In otherwords, while using the master device 126, the healthcare provider canessentially feel the measured levels of force exerted by the patient'sone or more body parts during the remote examination.

As the healthcare provider is virtually examining the patient, theprocessing device 702 can use the master sensor data to generate andtransmit the manipulation instruction (e.g., a measured level of force)to manipulate the treatment device 106. In other words, as thehealthcare provider applies more force pressure) to the master device126, the master sensors 128 can detect the measured level of force andinstruct the treatment device 106 to apply a correlated measured levelof force. In some embodiments, the measured level of force can be basedon a proximity of the master device 126 to the representation. In otherwords, as the healthcare provider manipulates the master device 126closer to the representation and/or within the representation of thetreatment device 126 and/or the patient's one or more body parts, themaster sensors 128 can detect that the measured force has increased. Insome embodiments, the input device 716 can comprise a pressure gradient.Using the pressure gradient, the processing device 702 can be configuredto cause the slave pressure system 110 to apply one or more measuredlevels of force to one or more sections 210 of the treatment device 106.

In another exemplary embodiment, the computer system 700 may include theinput device 716 (e.g., the treatment device 106) and the control systemcomprising the processing device 702 (e.g., the slave processing device)operatively coupled to the input device 716 and the master device 126.The system 700 may comprise one or more memory devices (e.g., mainmemory 704, data storage device 708, etc.) operatively coupled to theprocessing device 702. The one or more memory devices can be configuredto store instructions 722. The processing device 702 can be configuredto execute the instructions 722 to receive the slave sensor data fromthe one or more slave sensors 108, to transmit the slave sensor data, toreceive the manipulation instruction, and to use the manipulationinstruction to activate the slave pressure system 110. The instructionscan be executed in real-time or near real-time.

In yet another embodiment, the computer system 700 may include one ormore input devices 716 (e.g., the master console 124 comprising themaster device 126, the treatment device 106, etc.) and the controlsystem comprising one or more processing devices 702 (e.g., the masterprocessing device, the slave processing device) operatively coupled tothe input devices 716. For example, the master processing device may beoperatively coupled to the master console 124 and the slave processingdevice may be operatively coupled to the treatment device 106. Thesystem 700 may comprise one or more memory devices (e.g., master memorycoupled to the master processing device, slave memory coupled to theslave processing device, etc.) operatively coupled to the one or moreprocessing devices 702. The one or more memory devices can be configuredto store instructions 722 (e.g., master instructions, slaveinstructions, etc.). The one or more processing devices 702 (e.g., themaster processing device) can be configured to execute the masterinstructions 722 to receive the slave sensor data from the slaveprocessing device, use a manipulation of the master device 126 togenerate a manipulation instruction, and transmit the manipulationinstruction to the slave processing device. The one or more processingdevices 702 (e.g., the slave processing device) can be configured toexecute the slave instructions 722 to receive the slave sensor data fromthe one or more slave sensors, to transmit the slave sensor data to themaster processing device, to receive the manipulation instruction fromthe master processing device, and to use the manipulation instruction toactivate the slave pressure system. The instructions can be executed inreal-time or near real-time.

FIG. 7 is not intended to be limiting: the system 700 may include moreor fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 7.

Any of the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be usedin connection with rehabilitation. Unless expressly stated otherwise, isto be understood that rehabilitation includes prehabilitation (alsoreferred to as “pre-habilitation” or “prehab”). Prehabilitation may beused as a preventative procedure or as a pre-surgical or pre-treatmentprocedure. Prehabilitation may include any action performed by or on apatient (or directed to be performed by or on a patient, including,without limitation, remotely or distally through telemedicine) to,without limitation, prevent or reduce a likelihood of injury (e.g.,prior to the occurrence of the injury); improve recovery time subsequentto surgery; improve strength subsequent to surgery; or any of theforegoing with respect to any non-surgical clinical treatment plan to beundertaken for the purpose of ameliorating or mitigating injury,dysfunction, or other negative consequence of surgical or non-surgicaltreatment on any external or internal part of a patient's body. Forexample, a mastectomy may require prehabilitation to strengthen musclesor muscle groups affected directly or indirectly by the mastectomy. As afurther non-limiting example, the removal of an intestinal tumor, therepair of a hernia, open-heart surgery or other procedures performed oninternal organs or structures, whether to repair those organs orstructures, to excise them or parts of them, to treat them, etc., canrequire cutting through and harming numerous muscles and muscle groupsin or about, without limitation, the abdomen, the ribs and/or thethroracic cavity. Prehabilitation can improve a patient's speed ofrecovery, measure of quality of life, level of pain, etc. in all of theforegoing procedures. In one embodiment of prehabilitation, apre-surgical procedure or a pre-non-surgical-treatment may include oneor more sets of exercises for a patient to perform prior to suchprocedure or treatment. The patient may prepare an area of his or herbody for the surgical procedure by performing the one or more sets ofexercises, thereby strengthening muscle groups, improving existingand/or establishing new muscle memory, enhancing mobility, improvingblood flow, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may useartificial intelligence and/or machine learning to generate aprehabilitation treatment plan for a user. Additionally, oralternatively, the systems and methods described herein may useartificial intelligence and/or machine learning to recommend an optimalexercise machine configuration for a user. For example, a data model maybe trained on historical data such that the data model may be providedwith input data relating to the user and may generate output dataindicative of a recommended exercise machine configuration for aspecific user. Additionally, or alternatively, the systems and methodsdescribed herein may use machine learning and/or artificial intelligenceto generate other types of recommendations relating to prehabilitation,such as recommended reading material to educate the patient, arecommended health professional specialist to contact, and/or the like.

Consistent with the above disclosure, the examples of systems andmethods enumerated in the following clauses are specificallycontemplated and are intended as a non-limiting set of examples.

Clause 1. A computer-implemented system, comprising:

a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and a slavepressure system, the treatment device configured to be manipulated whilea patient performs a treatment plan;

a master console comprising a master device;

a user interface comprising an output device configured to presenttelemedicine information associated with a telemedicine session; and

a control system comprising one or more processing devices operativelycoupled to the master console and the treatment device, wherein the oneor more processing devices are configured to:

-   -   receive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors;    -   use a manipulation of the master device to generate a        manipulation instruction;    -   transmit the manipulation instruction; and    -   during the telemedicine session, use the manipulation        instruction to cause the slave pressure system to activate.

Clause 2. The computer-implemented system of any clause herein, whereinthe slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the master pressure system.

Clause 3. The computer-implemented system of any clause herein, whereinthe master device comprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, the one or more processing devicesare configured to cause the slave pressure system to apply one or moremeasured levels of force to one or more sections of the treatmentdevice.

Clause 4. The computer-implemented system of any clause herein, whereinthe treatment device comprises at least one of a physical therapydevice, a brace, a mat, and a wrap.

Clause 5. A system for a remote examination of a patient, comprising:

a master console comprising a master device;

a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and a slavepressure system; and

a control system comprising one or more processing devices operativelycoupled to the master console and the treatment device, wherein the oneor more processing devices are configured to:

-   -   receive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors;    -   use a manipulation of the master device to generate a        manipulation instruction;    -   transmit the manipulation instruction; and    -   use the manipulation instruction to cause the slave pressure        system to activate.

Clause 6. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises master sensors for detecting master sensor data correlatingwith the manipulation; and wherein the manipulation instruction is basedon the master sensor data.

Clause 7. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor datacomprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the master pressure system.

Clause 8. The system of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 9. The system of any clause herein, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are further configured to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to a masterdisplay.

Clause 10. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 11. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 12. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, the one or more processing devicesare configured to cause the slave pressure system to apply one or moremeasured levels of force to one or more sections of the treatmentdevice.

Clause 13. The system of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 14. The system of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction comprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 15. The system of any clause herein, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are further configured to:

transmit the manipulation instruction in real-time or near real-time;and

cause the slave pressure system to activate in real-time or nearreal-time.

Clause 16. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises at least one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of thetreatment device.

Clause 17. The system of any clause herein, wherein the treatment devicecomprises at least one of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, anda wrap.

Clause 18. The system of any clause herein, further comprising one ormore memory devices operatively coupled to the one or more processingdevices, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions, andwherein the one or more processing devices are configured to execute theinstructions.

Clause 19. A method for operating a system for remote examination of apatient, comprising:

receiving slave sensor data from one or more slave sensors;

based on a manipulation of a master device, generating a manipulationinstruction;

transmitting the manipulation instruction; and

based on the manipulation instruction, causing a slave pressure systemto activate.

Clause 20. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises master sensors for detecting master sensor data correlatingwith the manipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 21. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, based on the slave force measurements, activating the masterpressure system.

Clause 22. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 23. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

use the slave sensor data to transmitting an augmented image.

Clause 24. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 25. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 26. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, causing the slave pressure systemto apply one or more measured levels of force to one or more sections ofthe treatment device.

Clause 27. The method of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 28. The method of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction comprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 29. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

transmitting the manipulation instruction in real-time or nearreal-time; and

causing the slave pressure system to activate in real-time or nearreal-time.

Clause 30. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises at least one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of thetreatment device.

Clause 31. The method of any clause herein, wherein the treatment devicecomprises at least one of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, anda wrap.

Clause 32. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring instructions that, when executed, cause a processing device to:

receive slave sensor data from one or more slave sensors;

based on a manipulation of a master device, generate a manipulationinstruction;

transmit the manipulation instruction; and

use the manipulation instruction to cause a slave pressure system toactivate.

Clause 33. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises master sensorsfor detecting master sensor data correlating with the manipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 34. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slaveforce measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, based on the slave force measurements, activate the masterpressure system.

Clause 35. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 36. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessing device to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image.

Clause 37. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slaveforce measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 38. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slavetemperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 39. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises a pressuregradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, cause the slave pressure system toapply one or more measured levels of force to one or more sections ofthe treatment device.

Clause 40. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the augmented image comprises arepresentation of at least one of the treatment device and a body partof the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 41. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the manipulation instruction comprises ameasured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 42. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessing device to:

transmit the manipulation instruction in real-time or near real-time;and

cause the slave pressure system to activate in real-time or nearreal-time.

Clause 43. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises at least oneof a glove device, a joystick, and a model of the treatment device.

Clause 44. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the treatment device comprises at leastone of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, and a wrap.

Clause 45. A system for a remote examination of a patient, comprising:

a master console comprising a master device;

a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and a slavepressure system; and

a control system comprising one or more processing devices operativelycoupled to the master console and the treatment device, wherein the oneor more processing devices are configured to:

-   -   receive slave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors;    -   transmit the slave sensor data;    -   receive a manipulation instruction; and    -   use the manipulation instruction to activate the slave pressure        system.

Clause 46. The system of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction is based on a manipulation of the master device.

Clause 47. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises master sensors for detecting master sensor data correlatingwith the manipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 48. The system of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 49. The system of any clause herein, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are further configured to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to the masterconsole.

Clause 50. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to cause the master pressure system toactivate.

Clause 51. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 52. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 53. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, activating the slave pressuresystem comprises applying one or more measured levels of force to one ormore sections of the treatment device.

Clause 54. The system of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 55. The system of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction comprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 56. The system of any clause herein, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are further configured to:

receive the manipulation instruction in real-time or near real-time; and

activate the slave pressure system in real-time or near real-time.

Clause 57. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises at least one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of thetreatment device.

Clause 58. The system of any clause herein, wherein the treatment devicecomprises at least one of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, anda wrap.

Clause 59. The system of any clause herein, further comprising one ormore memory devices operatively coupled to the one or more processingdevices, wherein the one or more memory devices stores instructions, andwherein the one or more processing devices are configured to execute theinstructions.

Clause 60. A method for operating a system for remote examination of apatient, comprising:

receiving slave sensor data from one or more slave sensors;

transmitting the slave sensor data;

receiving a manipulation instruction; and

based on the manipulation instruction, activating a slave pressuresystem.

Clause 61. The method of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction is based on a manipulation of a master device.

Clause 62. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises master sensors for detecting master sensor data correlatingwith the manipulation; and wherein the manipulation instruction is basedon the master sensor data.

Clause 63. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 64. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

use the slave sensor data to transmitting an augmented image to themaster console.

Clause 65. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, based on the slave force measurements, causing the masterpressure system to activate.

Clause 66. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 67. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 68. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, activating the slave pressuresystem comprises applying one or more measured levels of force to one ormore sections of the treatment device.

Clause 69. The method of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 70. The method of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction comprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 71. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

receiving the manipulation instruction in real-time or near real-time;and

activating the slave pressure system in real-time or near real-time.

Clause 72. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises at least one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of thetreatment device.

Clause 73. The method of any clause herein, wherein the treatment devicecomprises at least one of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, anda wrap.

Clause 74. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring instructions that, when executed, cause a processing device to:

receive slave sensor data from one or more slave sensors;

transmit the slave sensor data;

receive a manipulation instruction; and

use the manipulation instruction to activate a slave pressure system.

Clause 75. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the manipulation instruction is based on amanipulation of a master device.

Clause 76. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises master sensorsfor detecting master sensor data correlating with the manipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 77. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 78. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessing device to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to the masterconsole.

Clause 79. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slaveforce measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, based on the slave force measurements, cause the masterpressure system to activate.

Clause 80. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slaveforce measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 81. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 82. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, activating the slave pressuresystem comprises applying one or more measured levels of force to one ormore sections of the treatment device.

Clause 83. The method of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 84. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the manipulation instruction comprises ameasured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 85. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessing device to:

receive the manipulation instruction in real-time or near real-time; and

activate the slave pressure system in real-time or near real-time.

Clause 86. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises at least oneof a glove device, a joystick, and a model of the treatment device.

Clause 87. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof any clause herein, wherein the treatment device comprises at leastone of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, and a wrap.

Clause 88. A system for a remote examination of a patient, comprising:

a master console comprising a master device;

a treatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and a slavepressure system; and

a control system comprising a master processing device and a slaveprocessing device, wherein the master processing device is operativelycoupled to the master console and the slave processing device isoperatively coupled to the treatment device;

-   -   wherein the master processing device is configured to:    -   receive slave sensor data from the slave processing device;    -   use a manipulation of the master device to generate a        manipulation instruction; and    -   transmit the manipulation instruction to the slave processing        device; and

wherein the slave processing device is configured to:

-   -   receive the slave sensor data from the one or more slave        sensors;    -   transmit the slave sensor data to the master processing device;    -   receive the manipulation instruction from the master processing        device; and    -   use the manipulation instruction to activate the slave pressure        system.

Clause 89. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises master sensors for detecting master sensor data correlatingwith the manipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 90. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the master processingdevice is further configured to activate the master pressure system.

Clause 91. The system of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the master processingdevice is further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 92. The system of any clause herein, wherein the masterprocessing device is further configured to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to a masterdisplay.

Clause 93. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 94. The system of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 91. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, activating the slave pressuresystem comprises applying one or more measured levels of force to one ormore sections of the treatment device.

Clause 96. The system of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 97. The system of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction comprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 98. The system of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction is transmitted in real-time or near real-time; and

wherein the slave pressure system is activated in real-time or nearreal-time.

Clause 99. The system of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises at least one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of thetreatment device.

Clause 100. The system of any clause herein, wherein the treatmentdevice comprises at least one of a physical therapy device, a brace, amat, and a wrap.

Clause 101. The system of any clause herein, further comprising:

a master memory device operatively coupled to the master processingdevice, wherein the master memory device stores master instructions, andwherein the master processing device is configured to execute the masterinstructions; and

a slave memory device operatively coupled to the slave processingdevice, wherein the slave memory device stores slave instructions, andwherein the slave processing device is configured to execute the slaveinstructions.

Clause 102. A method for operating a remote examination of a patient,comprising:

causing a master processing device to:

-   -   receive slave sensor data from the slave processing device;    -   use a manipulation of a master device to generate a manipulation        instruction; and    -   transmit the manipulation instruction to the slave processing        device; and

causing a slave processing device to:

-   -   receive the slave sensor data from the one or more slave        sensors;    -   transmit the slave sensor data to the master processing device;    -   receive the manipulation instruction from the master processing        device; and    -   use the manipulation instruction to activate the slave pressure        system.

Clause 103. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises master sensors for detecting master sensor data correlatingwith the manipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 104. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

causing the master processing device, based on the slave forcemeasurements, to activate the master pressure system.

Clause 105. The method of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the master processingdevice is further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 106. The method of any clause herein, further causing the masterprocessing device to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to a masterdisplay.

Clause 107. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 108. The method of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 109. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and wherein, using the pressure gradient,activating the slave pressure system comprises applying one or moremeasured levels of force to one or more sections of the treatmentdevice.

Clause 110. The method of any clause herein, wherein the augmented imagecomprises a representation of at least one of the treatment device and abody part of the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 111. The method of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction comprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 112. The method of any clause herein, wherein the manipulationinstruction is transmitted in real-time or near real-time; and

wherein the slave pressure system is activated in real-time or nearreal-time.

Clause 113. The method of any clause herein, wherein the master devicecomprises at least one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of thetreatment device.

Clause 114. The method of any clause herein, wherein the treatmentdevice comprises at least one of a physical therapy device, a brace, amat, and a wrap.

Clause 115. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring instructions that, when executed,

cause a master processing device to:

-   -   receive slave sensor data from the slave processing device;    -   use a manipulation of a master device to generate a manipulation        instruction; and    -   transmit the manipulation instruction to the slave processing        device; and

cause a slave processing device to:

-   -   receive the slave sensor data from the one or more slave        sensors;    -   transmit the slave sensor data to the master processing device;    -   receive the manipulation instruction from the master processing        device; and    -   use the manipulation instruction to activate the slave pressure        system.

Clause 116. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises mastersensors for detecting master sensor data correlating with themanipulation; and

wherein the manipulation instruction is based on the master sensor data.

Clause 117. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprisesslave force measurements;

wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the master processingdevice is further configured to activate the master pressure system.

Clause 118. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, further comprising:

a second master device comprising a second master pressure system;

wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and

wherein, using the slave force measurements, the master processingdevice is further configured to activate the second master pressuresystem.

Clause 119. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein instructions further cause themaster processing device to:

use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to a masterdisplay.

Clause 120. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprisesslave force measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more pressure indicators;and

wherein the one or more pressure indicators are based on the slave forcemeasurements.

Clause 121. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the slave sensor data comprisesslave temperature measurements;

wherein the augmented image comprises one or more temperatureindicators; and

wherein the one or more temperature indicators are based on the slavetemperature measurements.

Clause 122. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises apressure gradient; and

wherein, using the pressure gradient, activating the slave pressuresystem comprises applying one or more measured levels of force to one ormore sections of the treatment device.

Clause 123. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the augmented image comprises arepresentation of at least one of the treatment device and a body partof the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.

Clause 124. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the manipulation instructioncomprises a measured level of force; and

wherein the measured level of force is based on a proximity of themaster device to the representation.

Clause 125. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the manipulation instruction istransmitted in real-time or near real-time; and

wherein the slave pressure system is activated in real-time or nearreal-time.

Clause 126. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the master device comprises atleast one of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of the treatmentdevice.

Clause 127. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, wherein the treatment device comprises atleast one of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, and a wrap.

Clause 128. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of any clause herein, further comprising:

a master memory device operatively coupled to the master processingdevice, wherein the master memory device stores master instructions, andwherein the master processing device is configured to execute the masterinstructions; and

a slave memory device operatively coupled to the slave processingdevice, wherein the slave memory device stores slave instructions, andwherein the slave processing device is configured to execute the slaveinstructions.

Consistent with the above disclosure, the examples of assembliesenumerated in the following clauses are specifically contemplated andare intended as a non-limiting set of examples.

No part of the description in this application should be read asimplying that any particular element, step, or function is an essentialelement that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patentedsubject matter is defined only by the claims. Moreover, none of theclaims is intended to invoke 25 U.S.C. § 104(f) unless the exact words“means for” are followed by a participle.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, use specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the artthat the specific details are not required to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art that many modifications and variations are possible in viewof the above teachings.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the present invention. Once the above disclosureis fully appreciated, numerous variations and modifications will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the followingclaims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented system, comprising: atreatment device comprising one or more slave sensors and a slavepressure system, the treatment device configured to be manipulated whilea patient performs a treatment plan; a master console comprising amaster device; a user interface comprising an output device configuredto present telemedicine information associated with a telemedicinesession; and a control system comprising one or more processing devicesoperatively coupled to the master console and the treatment device,wherein the one or more processing devices are configured to: receiveslave sensor data from the one or more slave sensors; use a manipulationof the master device to generate a manipulation instruction; transmitthe manipulation instruction; and during the telemedicine session, usethe manipulation instruction to cause the slave pressure system toactivate.
 2. The computer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein theslave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; wherein the masterdevice comprises a master pressure system; and wherein, using the slaveforce measurements, the one or more processing devices are furtherconfigured to activate the master pressure system.
 3. Thecomputer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein the master devicecomprises a pressure gradient; and wherein, using the pressure gradient,the one or more processing devices are configured to cause the slavepressure system to apply one or more measured levels of force to one ormore sections of the treatment device.
 4. The computer-implementedsystem of claim 1, wherein the treatment device comprises at least oneof a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, and a wrap.
 5. A systemfor a remote examination of a patient, comprising: a master consolecomprising a master device; a treatment device comprising one or moreslave sensors and a slave pressure system; and a control systemcomprising one or more processing devices operatively coupled to themaster console and the treatment device, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are configured to: receive slave sensor data from theone or more slave sensors; use a manipulation of the master device togenerate a manipulation instruction; transmit the manipulationinstruction; and use the manipulation instruction to cause the slavepressure system to activate.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein themaster device comprises master sensors for detecting master sensor datacorrelating with the manipulation; and wherein the manipulationinstruction is based on the master sensor data.
 7. The system of claim5, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements;wherein the master device comprises a master pressure system; andwherein, using the slave force measurements, the one or more processingdevices are further configured to activate the master pressure system.8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a second master devicecomprising a second master pressure system; wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements; and wherein, using the slaveforce measurements, the one or more processing devices are furtherconfigured to activate the second master pressure system.
 9. The systemof claim 5, wherein the one or more processing devices are furtherconfigured to: use the slave sensor data to transmit an augmented imageto a master display.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the slave sensordata comprises slave force measurements; wherein the augmented imagecomprises one or more pressure indicators; and wherein the one or morepressure indicators are based on the slave force measurements.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slavetemperature measurements; wherein the augmented image comprises one ormore temperature indicators; and wherein the one or more temperatureindicators are based on the slave temperature measurements.
 12. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the augmented image comprises arepresentation of at least one of the treatment device and a body partof the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the manipulation instruction comprises ameasured level of force; and wherein the measured level of force isbased on a proximity of the master device to the representation.
 14. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the master device comprises a pressuregradient; and wherein, using the pressure gradient, the one or moreprocessing devices are configured to cause the slave pressure system toapply one or more measured levels of force to one or more sections ofthe treatment device.
 15. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are further configured to: transmit the manipulationinstruction in real-time or near real-time; and cause the slave pressuresystem to activate in real-time or near real-time.
 16. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the master device comprises at least one of a glovedevice, a joystick, and a model of the treatment device.
 17. A systemfor a remote examination of a patient, comprising: a master consolecomprising a master device; a treatment device comprising one or moreslave sensors and a slave pressure system; and a control systemcomprising one or more processing devices operatively coupled to themaster console and the treatment device, wherein the one or moreprocessing devices are configured to: receive slave sensor data from theone or more slave sensors; transmit the slave sensor data; receive amanipulation instruction; and use the manipulation instruction toactivate the slave pressure system.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe manipulation instruction is based on a manipulation of the masterdevice.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the master device comprisesmaster sensors for detecting master sensor data correlating with themanipulation; and wherein the manipulation instruction is based on themaster sensor data.
 20. The system of claim 17, further comprising: asecond master device comprising a second master pressure system; whereinthe slave sensor data comprises slave force measurements; and wherein,using the slave force measurements, the one or more processing devicesare further configured to activate the second master pressure system.21. The system of claim 20, wherein the slave sensor data comprisesslave force measurements; wherein the master device comprises a masterpressure system; and wherein, using the slave force measurements, theone or more processing devices are further configured to cause themaster pressure system to activate.
 22. The system of claim 17, whereinthe one or more processing devices are further configured to: use theslave sensor data to transmit an augmented image to the master console.23. The system of claim 22, wherein the slave sensor data comprisesslave force measurements; wherein the augmented image comprises one ormore pressure indicators; and wherein the one or more pressureindicators are based on the slave force measurements.
 24. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the slave sensor data comprises slave temperaturemeasurements; wherein the augmented image comprises one or moretemperature indicators; and wherein the one or more temperatureindicators are based on the slave temperature measurements.
 25. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the augmented image comprises arepresentation of at least one of the treatment device and a body partof the patient, and wherein the representation is in 2D or 3D.
 26. Thesystem of claim 25, wherein the manipulation instruction comprises ameasured level of force; and wherein the measured level of force isbased on a proximity of the master device to the representation.
 27. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the master device comprises a pressuregradient; and wherein, using the pressure gradient, activating the slavepressure system comprises applying one or more measured levels of forceto one or more sections of the treatment device.
 28. The system of claim17, wherein the one or more processing devices are further configuredto: receive the manipulation instruction in real-time or near real-time;and activate the slave pressure system in real-time or near real-time.29. The system of claim 17, wherein the master device comprises at leastone of a glove device, a joystick, and a model of the treatment device.30. The system of claim 17, wherein the treatment device comprises atleast one of a physical therapy device, a brace, a mat, and a wrap.